The Severn Valley Railway is hosting its Autumn Steam Gala from the 17th to the 20th of September.

Earlier this month, they announced that Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank locomotive No 41313 would be their first visiting locomotive.

They have now announced that their second visiting locomotive will be BR(W) Pannier Tank 9681.

The locomotive will be making a rare visit away from the Dean Forest Railway, marking nearly 30 years since it operated away from its home.

9681 will be running a number of passenger services, including a double-headed service.

There will be further announcements over the next few weeks.

Further information on the gala itself can be found on their website.

“We’re absolutely delighted to confirm 9681 is coming for our Autumn Steam Gala and are extremely grateful to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group and the Dean Forest Railway for making this special visit possible.

“The locomotive’s appearance is particularly significant because opportunities to see No 9681 away from its home railway are exceptionally rare. It will be almost three decades since its last visit elsewhere, making this a genuinely noteworthy occasion for enthusiasts and photographers alike.

“Perhaps most exciting of all will be the opportunity to see 9681 paired with our own BR black pannier tank 7714. With 7714 due for overhaul soon, this could represent the last opportunity for many years to witness two BR black panniers working together on the Severn Valley Railway. We’re sure it will be one of the highlights of the gala.”

SVR chief executive officer Gus Dunster