TWO last-minute changes have been forced on the line-up of locomotives for the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) spring steam gala which starts on Friday (April 28) and runs until Bank Holiday Monday.

Epping Ongar Railway was to have loaned locomotive no.4953 Pitchford Hall for the event, one of three visiting engines alongside Severn Valley Railway’s engine no.7812 Erlestoke Manor, and no.2999 Lady of Legend, from Didcot Railway Centre.

But following problems with another of its locomotives, Epping Ongar has had to cancel the loan to make sure it had enough cover for its own services.

WSR chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt said instead the Severn Valley Railway had answered a call for help and was providing SR West Country Pacific no.34027 Taw Valley, which last visited West Somerset in the early 2000s.

Mr Jones-Pratt said: “She will make a great sight in her new Southern Wartime Black livery running as no.21C127. This will be the first visit of the loco away from its home since her overhaul in 2015.”

The second change was the withdrawal of the WSR’s own locomotive no.7822 Foxcote Manor after engineering staff were unable to complete repairs in time for the gala.

The WSR had been promoting a rare opportunity for three Manor class engines to be seen running on the same line, as the gala would have featured its own ‘Manors’ Foxcote and Odney, and the visiting Erlestoke Manor from the Severn Valley Railway.

Mr Jones-Pratt said there was good news with completion of repair works on pannier tank no.9466 which would now feature in the gala, working goods and local passenger trains in its first public steamings for more than 18 months.

On Sunday and Monday, the WSR is offering a 'Kids for a Quid' deal where children aged five to 15 years can travel for £1 with an adult using a full-price day rover ticket, available only online.

Brake van rides will also be available on the day and many double-headings will take place throughout the event.