THE South Devon Railway (SDR) is holding a Winter Steam Gala over the weekend from Friday, December 30, to Sunday, January 1, featuring three locomotives in steam, which include two visiting engines.

The gala weekend comes on the back of a very busy Christmas period with record sales of tickets for The Polar Express™, which has been running on the scenic seven-mile line from November right up to Christmas.

South Devon Railway general manager, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson, said: ‘We’ve had a fantastic response to The Polar Express again this year and the feedback we have had as been wonderful. It has certainly kept us busy. It has proved yet again to be a very popular format and a magical family experience.’

Once Christmas is over, the railway will be running trains throughout the ‘Twixmas’ period, that time between Christmas and New Year when families and friends are looking for a relaxing way to spend some free time together.

Ernest Elsworth-Wilson continued: ‘We’ll be running trains all week from Boxing Day then, over the weekend of 30th December to 1st January, we are holding our popular Winter Steam Gala. It’s great to have to visiting engines this year so there’ll be plenty of variety.

‘The middle of winter is a great time to travel on our line, as the lack of greenery on the trees allows for some stunning views of the river and hills beyond. We are hoping to welcome lots of visitors during the last weekend of the festive break.’

The first of the steam engine visitors is 1950-built, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway-based No. 7820 Dinmore Manor, which has been masquerading as The Polar Express™ loco No. 1225, complete with American-style cow catcher and headlight. The loco will have returned its familiar British guise before the gala. 7820 spent much of its working life in Devon and Cornwall, having been shedded at Plymouth Laira, Truro and St Blazey.

The Manor will be joined by Ivatt Class 2MT No 41312 from the Mid Hants Railway. Designed by George Ivatt and built at Crewe in 1952, 41312 was first based in Kent before being moved to Barnstaple Junction working on the Southern Region’s lines in Devon.

The two visitors will be supported by 1937-built GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank No. 6430 which joined the SDR’s home fleet in 2021.

During the three-day gala, an intensive service will run between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside on each day. The line will also be open with a three-train daily service between Boxing Day and 29th December and also on 2nd January.

Tickets can be pre-booked at www.southdevonrailway.co.uk or purchased from the line’s booking offices.