GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall has completed its first test runs on the Severn Valley Railway.
After a final exam by the BES Boiler Inspector yesterday (22nd June), 4930 was signed off to begin line testing on the Severn Valley Railway.
Following attention to a minor brake issue, 4930 Hagley Hall coupled with 2999 Lady of Legend for the run south to Hampton Loade.
Once at Hampton Loade, 4930 uncoupled from the Saint and returned to Bridgnorth under its own power, its first time running on the SVR under its own power since 1986.
The locomotive then did another round trip between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade in the afternoon, part of which can be watched in the video below by Steam Valley Productions:
This news follows on from the milestone that was passed last month where 4930 Hagley Hall made its first moves around Bridgnorth Works. You can watch the video on that here.
The SVR says that it cannot make any firm commitments as to when the locomotive will go on test, or when it is expected back in passenger service, but says that both of these goals should be reached in the coming months.
A Jolly Well Done, to All who put in an input-of-an-effort in seeing that ex-Great Western Hall Locomotive Restored to it’s former Glory, especially for Hagley Hall to Ride Again after all these years.
Fingers crossed for September cause if she is ready by then she will without a doubt be the star of the autumn steam gala. Be good too if 2999 was there alongside 4930 for the ASG.