WHEN was the last time it was possible to see and ride behind eight different Class 31s in one day? That was the tempting prospect offered by the Nene Valley Railway for its ‘Class 31s @ 60’ gala on October 13-15, which brought together locos from around the country to work singly and in pairs in different combinations over all three days.
Taking part were A1A Locomotives’ Nos. 31108, 31162 and 31271; Harry Needle Railroad Company’s Nos. 31285, 31459 and 31465; BARS’ No. 31452;
and the Dean Forest Diesel Association’s No. 31466. These sport a range of liveries – two grey, two blue, two yellow, one green and one red – leading to a number of colourful combinations over the three days, especially when hooked up to the NVR’s rake of continental stock.
Trains were well-loaded throughout, with slick operation leading to all trains running on time – a fitting tribute to this venerable survivor.
Read more in the December 2017 issue of RE – on sale now
