South Devon Railway Winter Gala - 2nd-4th January 2026

Utilising:

1369
5526
2807 (visiting for Polar Express services)

Possible fourth loco TBC.

https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/event/winter-steam-gala-2/

 

“We are pleased to confirm that Hunslet Works No.1589 ‘Newstead’ will be appearing at the South Devon Railway Winter Steam Gala, courtesy of owner Alex Alder. Newstead was built in 1929 and spent most of its life at a colliery in South Kirkby, before ending up in a garden of a convent until 2016, after many thought the missing locomotive had been scrapped.

Joining Newstead for this steam spectacular will be Bagnall 2572 ‘Judy’, courtesy of the Bodmin Railway. This diminutive locomotive was built for moving China Clay wagons at Par docks, meaning it had to be very short to allow for passage under the low bridges there.

Alongside these two visiting engines will be our GWR winter resident 2-8-0 No.2807, as well as home fleet locomotives 5526 and 1369.”

https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/event/winter-steam-gala-2/

 

That's a fun line-up, very intrigued to see what kind of workings Judy is put on once the timetable's out.

 

Havnt you heard, they are burrowing under the A38 and Ashburton or Bust!

 

I reckon you've nailed it, a cut-down cab is the perfect solution to that expressway being in the way!

 

I suspect Judy will either be doing rides at one of the stations, or a Staverton shuttle as per what had been planned for Henbury at this year's event (before it was unfortunately withdrawn from the event). Hopefully we shall be without the -7*c morning that caused water supplies and infrastructure to freeze up...