The Gresley Society, established in 1963 to commemorate the life and work of Sir Nigel Gresley, has announced the publication of the Spring 2026 edition of its journal, The Gresley Observer (No.198, Volume 65).

This issue marks the start of a major programme of commemorative activity, ahead of the 150th anniversary of Gresley’s birth on 19 June 1876. The cover illustrates A4 Pacific No. 60009 Union of South Africa departing Edinburgh Waverley with The Elizabethan in 1961, the final year the non-stop Anglo-Scottish service ran behind steam traction.

The Chairman outlines plans for 19 June, when surviving and new-build Gresley locomotives are expected to carry pre-war London North Eastern Railway-style “Gresley 150 Anniversary” headboards. Etched model versions will also be available across O, OO, TT:120 and N gauges.

Updates are included on the overhaul of the Society’s N2 tank locomotive No. 1744, alongside confirmation of key dates: a Thanksgiving Service at Netherseal (11 April), an Anniversary Symposium and Gala Dinner at Doncaster Mansion House (20 June), and the AGM at the Danum Gallery, Doncaster (5 December 2026).

Editorial features cover the J38 centenary, post-war East Coast Pullman workings, railway safety, and historical London North Eastern Railway operations. The journal is issued three times annually to members.

“Welcome to the first issue of 2026 – the 150th anniversary year of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth. As well as marking the centenary of the class J38s and featuring York as our ‘Great Location’, this issue carries important news of the Society’s Gresley 150 events and the progress being made on the overhaul of our class N2 No. 1744. We hope members and friends will enjoy this special edition as we celebrate the life and work of one of Britain’s greatest engineers.”

Chris Nettleton, Editor of The Gresley Observer.