B12 Departs for Cheltenham

The M&GN Joint Railway Society's B12 4-6-0 locomotive, no.8572 has departed the North Norfolk Railway for a weekend in Gloucestershire.

The locomotive is visiting the G&WSR Railway, which is holding it's four-day'Cotswold Steam Celebration'over the long weekend on the 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th May. Our loco joins several other 'big four' examples over the event, which is the first gala the G&WSR has held since a major embankment slippage was repaired. As part of the million pound appeal, the Society waived the steaming fee for J15 7564, which ran 'driver for a fiver' turns at Sheringham between trains to raise money for the appeal.

In readiness for the weekend, the locomotive was given a clean and polish by the Society's growing cleaning team, led by 'chargehand' Stuart Clarke. If you would like to join the gang, or find out more information, please see theVolunteeringpage. After cleaning, the B12 was towed to Sheringham by Class 25 25057 in readiness for collection by Alleley's Heavy Haulage.

Several Society volunteers will be travelling to the G&WSR to support the B12's visit. Loco engineer Keith Ashford will assist with crew familiarisation for G&WSR volunteer drivers and firemen whilst several other hands will be running a Society sales and promotion stand. We welcome all Society members who will be visiting the event to come and say a friendly hello. Remember that B12Wandering 1500Club members are entitled to free travel behind 8572 as part of their membership conditions.