LNER B1 4-6-0 no.61306 'Mayflower' to join West Somerset Railway Locomotive line up for Spring Steam Spectacular in 2024

We are delighted to confirm that LNER B1 4-6-0 no.61306 'Mayflower' is the second confirmed visiting locomotive for our Spring Steam Spectacular in 2024! This will mark the first occasion that 'Mayflower' has hauled WSR services, this will only happen over the four days of the event, so don't miss out! No.61306 last visited in 2015 at the head of an incoming railtour, but on this occasion did not haul WSR services. 'Mayflower' is usually found at the head of Locomotive Services operated mainline charter services.

No.61306 will join previously announced LNWR Coal Tank no.1054 at the event, plus more to be announced.

The visit will not only be a rare appearance on a preserved line for 'Mayflower', it will also be a rare opportunity to see an ex LNER locomotive operating over WSR metals. We are looking forward to seeing what this mainline engine is capable of. She will make an interesting comparison to the GWR engines our crews are used to.

If you haven't done already, ensure the dates are on your calendars, it is shaping up to be an unmissable event between Friday 3rd May and Monday 6th May 2024. More updates will come later in the year. We are still in discussion with a number of visiting locomotives and we can't wait to be able to reveal them!

We thank Locomotive Services Ltd and Locomotive 61306 Ltd for providing the engine for the event.