419 Andrew Fowler
After over 30 years Caledonian Tank Engine No.419 is to return to England to star at the Churnet Valley Railway Winter Steam Gala (23-24 February 2019), following the unavailability of No. 7827 Lydham Manor.
Churnet Valley Railway are very grateful to the Scottish Railway Preservation Society for the hire of ex Caledonia Railway No. 419 at such short notice.
Built by the Caledonian Railway at St Rollox Works, Glasgow, in 1907 No.419 was designed by J.F. Mcintosh for branch line work and fast suburban duties before ending its working career on pilot duties at Carstairs under the ownership of British Railways.
Jack Ilczyszyn, Events Manager at Churnet Valley Railway said “we are indebted to the SRPS for the speed in which they processed our request with mere weeks to spare before the gala following the unavailability of No. 7827.”
Owning representative at the Scottish Railway Preservation Society Mark Ashmole said “It is brilliant to be able to help a fellow heritage railway at such short notice. To see the engine operate south of the border is something really quite special and not been seen for a long time”
No. 419 returned to traffic in October 2018 and has not visited England since 1982.
This is the perfect opportunity to come and see it South of the border. Operating alongside TKH 2944 ‘Hotspur’, 3694 ‘Whiston’ and subject to availability S160’s 6046 and 5197.
For more information on the event please visit: https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/events/feb-winter-steam-gala-2019.html or call 01538 750 755.
