Bluebell Railway, Giants of Steam Gala, 16th and 18th October 2026

Giants of Steam Gala Filmed over 16th & 18th October 2026


BR 9F No. 92134 will be visiting us for Giants Of Steam 2026*

Built at Crewe Works in 1957, 92134 is a symbol of the final era of British steam. As part of the BR Standard Class 9F fleet, it was designed for immense power, tasked with hauling heavy mineral and freight trains across the network. While built for strength, these “Gentle Giants” were famously versatile—even occasionally outrunning dedicated express engines on passenger turns.
92134 is particularly special as a survivor of the single-chimney design. After a long road from the famous Barry Scrapyard through a dedicated restoration, it stands today as a living testament to 1950s engineering excellence.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Self Family and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Their generosity and hard work in maintaining this icon have made it possible for 92134 to join our 2026 Giants Weekend line-up.
Joining 92134 for Giants Of Steam 2026 is 71000 Duke of Gloucester*

Built at British Railways’ Crewe Works in 1954, Duke of Gloucester is the sole member of the BR Standard Class 8 Pacifics and one of the most fascinating steam locomotives ever constructed. Designed under R. A. Riddles, it featured advanced engineering including three cylinders and Caprotti valve gear, representing the ultimate development of British steam locomotive design.

Although its potential was not fully realised during BR service, the locomotive was saved from scrapping and underwent an extensive preservation-era rebuild that corrected its original design flaws. Since returning to steam in 1986, Duke of Gloucester has proven itself to be a powerful, efficient, and highly capable express locomotive — a true giant in every sense.

Its appearance at the Bluebell Railway offers a rare opportunity to see this unique locomotive operating in a heritage setting, adding considerable prestige to the 2026 event.
A small but mighty addition to our gala - the 41313!

The locomotive will make its first appearance back as a visiting engine at the gala, before remaining at the Bluebell Railway throughout the winter months.

Built by British Railways at Crewe Works in 1952, No. 41313 is one of the highly successful LMS-designed Ivatt Class 2 tank locomotives. Designed by H.G. Ivatt for mixed-traffic duties, these versatile locomotives became a familiar sight across the British Railways network, working everything from branch line passenger services to pick-up goods trains. Withdrawn from service in 1966, No. 41313 escaped the scrapyard and was saved for preservation, being restored to working order by the East Somerset Railway and based at Haven Street on the Isle of Wight.

We are extremely grateful to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for their generosity in making this visit possible and for the continued friendship between our two railways. We look forward to welcoming No. 41313 back to the Bluebell Railway and are sure it will be a popular addition to both Giants of Steam and our winter services.
73082, 80151 and 34059 join our visitors in action for Giants Of Steam!