As part of the preparation for the Severn Vally Railways 150th anniversary celebrations gala this coming weekend, the three guest ‘oldies’ were steam tested and put through an acceptance procedure today.  The photos show Coffee Pot along with Captain Baxter and Furness 20.  The testing coincided with a formal visit by the railway’s patron, the Duke of Gloucester, who was able to inspect the engines during a display in the platform at Kidderminster.  To reach this, Coffee Pot was propelled and towed by Baxter, though made the return trip itself (the long way through the loop) and so probably made one of its longest journeys, in steam, ever!  More information on the event is available on the SVR’s website: http://www.svr.co.uk/News.aspx?a=0

So, our little engine is starting to become quite well travelled now, having operated at Beamish (on both the Colliery and NER lines), Bowes, Tanfield, Shildon and now the SVR.  I am sure more will follow in the future…

Incidentally – does anyone have any photos showing Puffing Billy operating at the North Norfolk Railway last weekend at all?  It would be nice to feature some on the blog if possible.