From Friday, the 13th June, til Sunday, the 15th June, Spa Valley Railway is celebrating 200 years of rail with The Cuckoo Line Gala.
The event takes a step back in time and commemorates 60 years since the Cuckoo Line’s closure. The line previously ran from Tunbridge Wells West via Eridge and Hailsham to Polegate.
On Friday, The Wealdsman Rail Tour will take place, where 31806 and 34050 will carry replica headboards of the last steam-hauled train tour on the Cuckoo Line.
The Gala has an interesting timetable with early morning and late evening services. Locomotives appearing at the Gala include:
- Southern Railway U Class 31806 – Courtesy of the Swanage Railway and JMB Locomotive Services
- Southern Railway Bulleid Pacific 34050 ‘Royal Observer Corps’
- British Railways Ivatt 2MT Tank 41313 – Courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- British Railways Standard 4MT Tank 80078 – Courtesy of Stewart Robinson
- Class 33/0 D6566 – Courtesy of the DEPG
- Class 207 DEMU 1317
Throughout the weekend, brake van rides will be available on the Queen Mary.
There will be additional locomotives that will be announced soon, and pending a safety inspection, the original tunnels on the Cuckoo Train may be reopened for people to walk through. This is only an opening for this event only.
Tickets are available to purchase online, where they are discounted for advance purchase. The tickets will allow passengers to travel on trains throughout the day. Additionally, members of the Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society and HRA Privilege Pass Holders can gain a 25% discount on tickets purchased on the day.
Adult ticket prices range from £32 – £59, full ticket prices, bookings, and timetables can be found on their website.
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