Created 27-May-25
80 photos
An event I always try to visit is the GWSR Cotswold Festival of Steam. Thers is always an intensive timetable and an interesting collection of locomotives including some special guest visitors that are always worth a photograph or two. The 2025 event was scheduled to involve an un-rebuilt light pacific; initially 34092 CITY OF WELLS, and then 34072 257 SQUADRON. In the end neither was able to visit, so finally ex GWR pannier tank 7714 from the Severn Valley Railway joined stablemate BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 75069. Another exciting visitor from my point of view was South Eastern and Chatham Class 01 0-6-0 No.65 making a rare appearance in the Midlands. There were also three industrial engines that would have been interesting to see but only WWII Austerity 0-6-0ST No.15 EARL DAVID was working trains over the full length of the railway while I was present. It has to be said that the timetable was far too over ambitious and trains became progressively later as the day wore on reaching an hour late eventually. It was a shame because, otherwise, it was a very enjoyable day out.
© DAVID ARMITAGE