The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed a second visiting locomotive for its inaugural Summer Gala between 18 and 19 July, with Neilson & Co No. 2937 set to appear alongside a selection of home and guest traction.

Built in 1882 by Neilson & Co, the locomotive was first supplied to William Baird & Co for use at Bedlay Colliery near Glenboig, carrying the number 11.

The engine later underwent a series of ownership changes that reflected the broader restructuring of Scotland’s heavy industries during the 20th century.

Following the liquidation of William Baird & Co in 1938, its Lanarkshire operations merged with Scottish Iron & Steel Co Ltd to form Bairds and Scottish Steel Ltd.

After the nationalisation of the coal industry in 1947, the locomotive entered National Coal Board ownership before returning to Gartsherrie Ironworks around 1950. Withdrawn from industrial service, No. 2937 was preserved in 1968 and later moved to the Chasewater Light Railway, returning to traffic there in August 2025 following extensive restoration.

The two-day gala will feature intensive services between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, with steam and heritage diesel traction operating across the full line. Kerr Stuart’s ‘Witch’ class No. 4388 has also been confirmed, while attractions at Highley and Kidderminster will run throughout the weekend.

“As a completely brand-new event for the Severn Valley Railway, the Summer Gala is all about offering visitors something a little different and showcasing unusual and characterful locomotives alongside our home fleet. Neilson & Co No 2937 is a wonderful addition to the line-up, bringing with it an incredible industrial heritage story and a type of locomotive that many of our visitors may never have seen in action before. We’re grateful to Keith Sergeant and the Chasewater Railway and delighted to be welcoming it to the SVR for what promises to be a fascinating and varied weekend.”

Gus Dunster, managing director of the Severn Valley Railway.