73101 The Royal Alex returning to Bitton

john2006 · Post by **john2006** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:56 pm

73101 "The Royal ' Alex" is due to be back at Bitton this week.

The loco should arrive on Wednesday, although we can't be 100% sure about the date or time!

See http://www.avonvalleyrailway.org/cgi-bi ... cle_id=123

Deltic011 · Post by **Deltic011** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:52 pm

It's on its way

Saw it on the back of the transporter, parked up just off the Droitwich Junction of the M5 about 10:45 this morning.

john2006 · Post by **john2006** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:33 pm

73101 arrived today at around 6pm
Being off-loaded as I type.

MKC · Post by **MKC** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:27 am

Excellent - Do you know what days it will be running yet?

How long is it due to stay at Bitton?

get_that_bus_out · Post by **get_that_bus_out** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 12:34 pm

Not sure about days it will be running yet - will try and find out then report back. Haven't seen it in the flesh yet but from the photos of Llangollen's diesel gala last weekend it's absolutely sparkling: the SVR have done a "top drawer" paint job by the look of it.

get_that_bus_out · Post by **get_that_bus_out** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:11 am

Have made a few enquiries and it doesn't look as if 73 101 will be used on public passenger services for a couple of weeks: this Saturday's loco crew are not yet passed out for it (so will most likely be D2994 in use) and the following Saturday there is no train service.

It's always possible there may be ECS crew training runs in the meantime but I am not aware of any planned yet.

Will post here as soon as I know what days 101 is booked to be in use.

BristleGWR · Post by **BristleGWR** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:10 pm

Stopped to take a quick photo as I was passing on the bike on Saturday.

BristleGWR · Post by **BristleGWR** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:38 pm

Bristol Evening Post

22nd April 2008

MAKEOVER FOR ENGINE BACK FROM FLOOD DUTY

A Locomotive sent to the Severn Valley to help out during last summer's floods has returned to Bristol with a new lick of paint.

The Royal Alex normally runs on the Avon Valley Railway line but was dispatched to haul equipment after the devastating rains.In return Severn Valley Railway staff agreed to take on repainting work scheduled for this year.

Now the electro-diesel locomotive is back at Bitton, fresh and ready to carry visitors in the coming season.

AVR's development co-ordinator David Cole said: "The devastating floods that hit a number of areas last summer badly affected the Severn Valley Railway.

"Their line follows the river for much of its route and landslides hit the track.

"The ground slipped or moved at no fewer than 45 separate locations between Bewdley and Bridgnorth.

"An emergency appeal was set up and offers of help came from around the country.

"With the agreement of owner David Hurd, The Royal Alex was loaned to the SVR to help them in repair work, hauling earth, tools and other equipment to the areas under reconstruction."

The AVR is run almost entirely by volunteers who, during the past 30 years, have resurrected what were once derelict remains of the area's railway heritage into a major tourist attraction.

A new buffet is under construction at the site to cope with growing visitor demand.

Trains will be operating on Saturday and Sunday from 11am.

To find out more call 0117 932 5538 or visit the website, www.avonvalleyrailway.org .