Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s Autumn Steam-up Features Historic Cockney Locomotive No.72 'Fenchurch'

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) is set to host a steam-packed weekend with its upcoming Autumn Steam-up event, taking place from Friday, October 4th to Sunday, October 6th.

This year’s highlight is a special guest locomotive, No.72 'Fenchurch,' travelling all the way from Sussex's Bluebell Railway. Originally built for service in London, this iconic engine is ready to charm visitors with its storied history and unique design, making it a must-see attraction for train enthusiasts and families alike.

A legendary guest: No.72 'Fenchurch'

This year, KWVR welcomes a locomotive with a rich London heritage—No.72 'Fenchurch.' Built in 1872 for the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, this engine was designed by renowned engineer William Stroudley. Its purpose was to serve the suburban South London Line, where trains had to cover short distances between stations, often less than a mile apart. The railway needed a small but powerful locomotive capable of quick acceleration to manage these stops efficiently.

The No.72 'Fenchurch' was part of the first six engines produced at Brighton, and the design's success led to the construction of 50 more locomotives of its kind. Preserved by the Bluebell Railway since 1964, this historic engine underwent its latest overhaul in January 2023, making it ready for action once again.

An action-packed weekend for all

The Autumn Steam-up promises to deliver more than just the arrival of Fenchurch. The KWVR will run a special weekend timetable packed with exciting features, including:

• Demonstration goods trains: Showcasing how freight was historically transported on Britain’s railways.
• Double-headed trains: Two locomotives pulling the same train, a spectacular sight for steam fans.
• Historic brake vans: Offering visitors the chance to experience the unique vantage point of riding in a brake van, traditionally used to provide braking power on freight trains.

This weekend is tailored to appeal to all ages, with activities designed to entertain children as well.

"It’s something we believe will appeal to everybody, especially the children, as it’s such an attractive, kid-sized locomotive,"

said Kieran Pilsworth, one of the event organisers.

Special Friday night event

For those who can’t wait until the weekend, the Autumn Steam-up kicks off with a unique Friday evening charter service featuring Fenchurch. The train will offer an exclusive experience, including a hot supper, as part of a three-train service. Details for booking this rare experience and securing tickets for the main weekend event can be found on the KWVR’s official website.

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway experience

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a historic 5-mile branch line located in the heart of West Yorkshire, offering a scenic journey through the picturesque Brontë countryside. The railway’s heritage steam and diesel trains run through iconic stations like Haworth and Oakworth, which featured in the 1970 film "The Railway Children" and its 2022 sequel "The Railway Children Return".

Managed by over 500 dedicated volunteers, the KWVR operates regular services throughout the year, with extra trains during the summer and holiday seasons. Visitors can immerse themselves in railway history, travel on restored trains, and explore the museums at the various stations along the route.

Bringing history to life

The Autumn Steam-up offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the thrill of heritage railway travel. Whether it's the sight of steam billowing from the locomotives or the nostalgic atmosphere of the historic carriages, this weekend event is set to be a celebration of Britain’s railway heritage.

For more information on booking tickets for the event, visit the KWVR’s official website at www.kwvr.co.uk.