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In perfectly still conditions, LMS Stanier Mogul No.13268 approaches Bewdley Tunnel at the Severn Valley Railway. Taken during the 2026 Winter Steam Gala on the 4th January 2026.

Stanier Mogul No.13268 returned to traffic in 2023 after being overhauled at Bridgnorth Works. The locomotive was out-shopped as No.13268 for the first time in over 80 years.

Locomotive history:

In 1933, the London, Midland and Scottish Railway ordered 40 improved ‘Crab’ 2-6-0s to supplement the existing Hughes-designed fleet. William Stanier retained the successful layout but introduced a Great Western-style taper boiler, new cylinders and other Swindon features. Although the class suffered early teething troubles, they gave reliable service but were later overshadowed by the more successful Stanier Class 5 4-6-0s.
Built at Crewe Works in January 1934 as No.13268, the locomotive became No.2968 in 1935 and No.42968 after nationalisation in 1948. Withdrawn from Springs Branch, Wigan, in December 1966, it was sent to Woodham Brothers at Barry Docks, where it became the only surviving member of the class.
The Stanier Mogul Fund purchased the locomotive in 1973, returning it to steam in 1990 after restoration at Bridgnorth. It has since seen extensive service, including main line railtours. Following a major overhaul, it returned to traffic in 2023 and was out-shopped as No. 13268 in April 2024, carrying its original LMS number for the first time in over 80 years.