Description
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, one of the very few complete branch lines in the UK is renowned for holding their annual Steam Gala. Extended for the first time to run over four days, the event saw nine steam locomotives haul a mixture of goods, passenger and express services.
Tackling the steep gradients between Keighley and Oxenhope, LMS 6P No.45690 ‘Leander’, LMS 5MT No.44871 and LMS 5MT No.45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ visited for the event. BR 4MT No.75078 and LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ No.1054 both featured at their first steam gala since returning to traffic in 2022.
From blizzards to clear blue skies, several inches of snow and sub zero temperatures, the event featured superb winter conditions.
Gala highlights and visiting locomotives:
LMS ‘Jubilee’ 6P No.45690 ‘Leander’
Built in 1936 at Crewe, ‘Leander’ is now privately owned and can often be found hauling mainline charters with West Coast Railways. ‘Leander’ was making a return visit to the railway, last visiting for the Summer Steam Gala in 2009. The event brought together double headed ‘Jubilee’ locomotives, with ‘Leander’ running alongside classmate LMS 6P No.45596 ‘Bahamas’.
Three ‘Black Fives’…
Normally found operating ‘The Jacobite’ in Scotland, the event saw both LMS 5MT No.44871 and LMS 5MT No.45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ join LMS 5MT No.45212 haul services throughout the weekend. A variety of combinations appeared across the weekend including double-headed ‘Black Fives’, express and goods services.
The home fleet of locomotives…
The event also featured multiple locomotives from the home fleet, including BR 2F No.52044, BR 4MT No.75078, Taff O2 No.85, LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ No.1054 and LMS 6P No.45596 ‘Bahamas’.
Aerial videography
Aerial shots are included from across the four day event, showcasing a snow covered Worth Valley from a whole new perspective.
Footage is included from throughout all four days of the event, with a wide collection of shots at carefully selected locations along the 5 mile branch line. Trackside footage is included throughout the DVD, an aspect not available to the general public. A wide collection of early morning shed scenes, goods, express, passenger and night scenes are featured throughout the DVD.
Locomotives featured on this DVD include:
– BR 2F No.52044
– BR 4MT No.75078
– LMS 5MT No.44871
– LMS 5MT No.45212
– LMS 5MT No.45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’
– LMS 6P No.45690 ‘Leander’
– LMS 6P No.45596 ‘Bahamas’
– LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ No.1054
– Taff Vale O2 No.85
Product Overview:
This product features no commentary, allowing you to fully appreciate the sound of the steam locomotives working hard. Short titles are included throughout informing you of the date, locomotive and location. Copies of this product last approx. 72 minutes and are available in 16:9 widescreen format only.
