2025 Steam Gala

Great Western Tanks Galore at East Somerset Railway Steam Gala 2025

Heavy freight tank 4247 is set to be the star of the show at the East Somerset Railway’s 2025 Steam Gala held over the weekend of May 31 – June 1. The 2-8-0T is currently undergoing the finishing touches to its overhaul carried out in our workshop here in Cranmore with the gala set to be its first public running days in around 7 years. This loco has had somewhat of a nomadic life in service being based in both Cornwall as well as these loco’s more traditional territory of South Wales. After being preserved by 4247 Ltd. the engine returned to Cornwall at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for much of its life in preservation, but is now on a long term lease to the Dartmouth Steam Railway who have contracted the ESR to fully refurbish the locomotive.

4247 will be operating services alongside popular GWR Prairie tanks 4555 and 4110, with 4555 now sporting the late BR steam era livery, having undergone a repaint since it was last with us.

1719 Andrew Barclay ‘Lady Nan’ will also be offering driver experiences at the depot on the popular ‘Steaming for 15’ courses (Pre-booking possible but not essential)

The weekend will see a mix of passenger and goods trains, as well as several double headers for a truly exciting weekend of steam indulgence!

Timetable:

10.00 - 4247 (Passenger)

10.40 - 4110 short goods Cranmore - Cranmore Depot

10.55 - 4555 (Passenger)

11.45 - 4247/4110 Double Header (Passenger). 4110 leading return

12.50 - 4555/4247 top and tail longer goods Cranmore - Mendip Vale - Cranmore. 4555 lead out, 4247 return

13.25 - 4110 (passenger)

14.25 - 4555 short goods Cranmore - Cranmore Depot

14.35 - 4247 (Passenger)

15.25 - 4110/4555 Double Header (Passenger) 4110 leads return

16.15 - 4110 Passenger

 All locomotives appear subject to availability