The Severn Valley Railway has announced that LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 will be returning to mainline service thanks to a new partnership.

13268 will haul mainline railtours once again with Vintage Trains.

The locomotive will continue to operate at the Severn Valley Railway alongside its mainline appearances.

13268 was built in 1934 and has been a popular choice of locomotive at the SVR.

All being well, the locomotive will return to mainline operations when it hauls the Worcester Shakespeare Express on Sunday, 8 November.

“It’s going to be fantastic to see 13268 back out on the national network, hauling prestigious main line rail tours once again. It’s a striking locomotive that’s hugely popular with our visitors and has become a stalwart of both our regular services and special events.

Gus Dunster, chief executive officer of the Severn Valley Railway

“Everyone involved with the Stanier Mogul Fund is immensely proud to see 13268 returning to the national network. Our founders rescued this locomotive from Barry over 50 years ago, and generations of members, volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly to ensure that the sole surviving Stanier Mogul remains an operational ambassador for Britain’s railway heritage. Seeing the locomotive back on the main line is another significant milestone in its remarkable preservation story, and we’re grateful to both the Severn Valley Railway and Vintage Trains for working with us to make this possible.”

Peter Holder, chair of the Stanier Mogul Fund Limited

“We’re delighted to welcome 13268 into the Vintage Trains fleet. It’s a locomotive with tremendous character and historical significance, and we know our passengers and enthusiasts alike will be excited by the opportunity to travel behind the only surviving Stanier Mogul. We look forward to working closely with the Severn Valley Railway and the Stanier Mogul Fund to showcase this magnificent engine on a programme of memorable rail tours.

“Subject to all the usual caveats, we’re planning for the Stanier Mogul to haul the Worcester Shakespeare Express on Sunday 8 November.”

Nick Ralls, managing director at Vintage Trains