Return of a Legend - ‘Blue Peter’ on test on the Severn Valley Railway

Having recently celebrated her 76th birthday, the sole surviving member of Arthur Peppercorn’s A2 class of LNER pacifics ‘Blue Peter’ has now returned to steam after a two decade long absence. Being bought for preservation at the tail end of steam in 1968, 60532 made a name for herself when, in 1994, she was involved in a dangerous wheelslip incident at Durham. The damage took 18 months to repair, after which she continued mainline running until being put out to stud on the NYMR in 2001. Her boiler ticket expired the following year.
That seemed to be the end of her story. That is until she was purchased by Jeremy Hosking in 2014 who intended to return this former racehorse back to operation. This dream, this very expensive dream, has now finally come true. To begin with, ‘Blue Peter’ will undertake four weeks of loaded test runs on the SVR on their airbraked set before being released onto the mainline. This is booked to preceded a visit from ‘Duke of Gloucester’ who will perform the same process.
Upon hearing this news about the test runs, naturally, I thought that not only would it be an enjoyable and historic day out but would also provide quality content. Thus I clubbed together with a few friends to make this film for you, viewers. My thanks especially to Ben for being willing to go out in the sticks at Country Park Halt and to Rob for our chance meeting at Hampton Loade. I’ve not done one of these since we had ‘Pendennis Castle’ on test last year so it was refreshing to do some ‘loco chasing’ again. Many thanks to you both.
Now, the serious part.
The Arley and Hampton Loade shots (me) and Highley shot (Ben) were all taken from public areas at the stations. The Northwood shot was taken by me with a valid PTS and a high viz as was the Hampton Loade shot from the embankment. This latter one in particular had permission of the signalman and duty officer.
If you don’t have a LINESIDE PASS/PTS, HIGH VIZ JACKET and OBSERVE ALL OTHER SAFETY CONCERNS please do not obtain access to the track.
Thanks very much for watching everyone and I hope to see you all again soon.
Exam season is approaching so uploads may continue to be infrequent but I’ll do my best. In the meantime, as always, stay safe and stay tuned!
- Alex.

[@elliotgane8088]

Awesome video of 60532 and keep up the fantastic work

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Thanks very much, kind of you to say.
A team effort I’ll say.
Stay Safe & Stay Tuned - Alex.

[@user-ic8dp9th2s]

To be honest. Blue Peter and MK III coaches look rather good together

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

I somewhat agree. It’s nice to see the sleepers come out every once in a while when the railway has test runs to perform under contract.
Next one I believe should be Duke of Gloucester so that’ll be exciting.
Thanks very much for watching - Alex.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

More importantly she’s got an extended stay at the Severn valley railway she’s gonna be on display during the spring gala and then she will go home to Crewe by means of going there by rail not by low loader

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Has it been certified for mainline?

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@greatwesternproductions2857not yet she will have to do a test run before she will be certified for mainline running because she hasn’t got a mainline certification yet

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Right, okay

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@greatwesternproductions2857okay

[@Great_northern]

How long is blue Peter staying there for??

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Four weeks I’m told.
Thanks for watching - Alex.

[@Great_northern]

@@greatwesternproductions2857 thank you:)

[@markreilly5940]

'Promo sm'