Yesterday marked a significant milestone in S160 no. 6046 return to traffic following repairs. The locomotive completed it’s first trip to Froghall and back from Cheddleton under its own steam, albeit in the company of Crompton 33102 ‘Sophie’ acting as a brake translating vehicle.
The locomotive is firmly on-course to make her public return to traffic during the Churnet Valley’s Winter Steam Gala, with more formal shakedown trials commencing from Monday to get the locomotive run-in with roughly 500 miles planned to be covered before her acceptance into revenue earning service.
Following the locomotive’s starring role in the February event a weekend of hauling goods services for which it was built beckons, as we are delighted to announce further plans to see the locomotive recreate scenes from when the class was first introduced.
‘Operation Overlord’ is booked to run on Saturday 12th March 2016, where 6046 will haul a military goods train along the Churnet Valley. This closed doors photography event is being run by Lancashire based “Lure of Steam Photography”, where with assistance from re-enactors of the “1st Infantry Division Living History Group”, 6046 will haul a recreated goods train from the 1940s that will include military vehicles being transported onboard wagons that have been restored on the CVR – as was done in the preparation for D-Day back in 1944. The re-enactors will help with the 1940 feel, as they display their US Army uniforms and pose around the railway whilst the train works it way along the CVR. The event is open to all, but pre-booking is essential. For further details, and to book your place, please contact Lure of Steam >here<.
Then on Sunday 13th March 6046 will again be in action with a shortened version of the Military Goods Train, as the formation operates for public demonstrations as part of the CVR annual “Volunteer Open Day” (without the re-enactors). This will be in addition to the CVR’s timetabled passenger service, so all visitors will get to enjoy the sight and sound of two steam locomotives working through the scenic valley, whilst learning all about what it’s like being a volunteer. For further information, please see our website >here<.