As usual, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway will open this year’s operating season on Easter weekend, with three steam locomotives running on both Sunday, 20th and Monday, 21st April.

The first locomotive will be 0-6-0 saddle tank Sir Berkeley built by Manning Wardle of Leeds in 1890.

Sir Berkeley is always a showstopper, as it is from the time when steam locomotives were not provided with an overall cab to protect the crew in bad weather.

Next is 0-4-0 saddle tank No. 2315 Lady Ingrid, by Andrew Barclay & Co in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

In 1951. Lady Ingrid will be hauling trains on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway throughout the summer, and it is hoped it will eventually become resident on the line.

The third locomotive featuring in the Easter weekend will be No. 2138 Swordfish, which is another Andrew Barclay saddle tank, this time an 0-6-0 version that was built in 1941.

Many visitors will remember Swordfish, as it was used on last year’s Santa Specials.

Although they have different wheel arrangements, the two Andrew Barclay locomotives have a strong family resemblance and make a fine picture when seen together, and the Easter weekend will be a great chance for railway enthusiasts and photographers to see them in action.

During the Easter Weekend, as well as the attraction of steam-hauled services, passengers will get to ride in genuine Victorian four-wheel coaches.

All of the railway’s usual attractions will be open throughout the weekend, including the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway museum, visits to the Restoration Shed, souvenir shop, café, and the Middy real ale bar.

For younger children, there will be Easter Bunny hunts, and as last year, the USAAF 34th Bomb Group will put on a display and open their museum.