Final locomotives complete Great Central Railway’s ‘Little & Large’ Steam Gala line-up

GWR Pannier Tank 9681 (Credit: GCR)

The full line-up is now confirmed for four days of intensive steam action at Great Central Railway’s annual Autumn Steam Gala from 1st–4th October 2026, with five visiting locomotives joining the home fleet for an unmissable celebration of ‘Little & Large’.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) is preparing for four days of steam-filled action as its annual Autumn Steam Gala returns with a special ‘Little & Large’ theme, celebrating the remarkable variety of steam locomotives – from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful machines.

The final line-up is now complete, with five visiting locomotives set to join the Great Central Railway’s home fleet, subject to availability. Together, they represent a fascinating cross-section of steam locomotive design, from industrial engines and compact shunters to larger main-line locomotives.

Among them will be GWR Saddle Tank No. 813, appearing with thanks to the Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund. Built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, the diminutive locomotive is renowned as one of the smallest engines operating on the Severn Valley Railway, making it a perfect fit for this year’s ‘Little & Large’ theme.

Also making the journey to the GCR will be No. 7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’, appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built by Sentinel in Shrewsbury in 1927, the locomotive showcases the innovative engineering of a company better known for its steam-powered road vehicles, providing a fascinating contrast to the larger locomotives appearing at the Gala.

LMS 16440 is due to appear thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd, subject to availability following repairs. The LMS 3F locomotive was built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow, adding another distinctive chapter to the Gala’s celebration of steam engineering.

Completing the visiting line-up are two further locomotives, each bringing its own remarkable story to the event.

Hunslet ‘Newstead’, appearing with thanks to the North Norfolk Railway and its restoration team, is famous for being known as the ‘Lost’ Engine. Built in 1929 by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds to work in the coal mining industry, Newstead continued working until 1972, when it was believed to have been lost to the cutter’s torch.

Fortunately, the locomotive had in fact been saved by Mr Malcolm James Saul and kept at a convent, where he tended the gardens, in a small shed with plans for its restoration. Over time, the shed became hidden from view by trees, and the engine was all but forgotten.

More than 40 years later, following Mr Saul’s passing, Alex Alder was tipped off about the hidden locomotive. One of the resident nuns eventually revealed Newstead’s secret hiding place and, despite decades out of sight, the engine was found to be in remarkable condition. Alex and his team set about restoring it and, in 2025, Newstead returned to steam at the North Norfolk Railway.

Also completing the line-up is GWR Pannier Tank 9681, appearing with thanks to the Dean Forest Locomotive Group. Built at Swindon in 1949, 9681 spent the majority of its British Rail service in Wales, working at locations including Tondu, Aberbeeg, Barry and Cardiff, before being withdrawn in July 1965.

The locomotive travelled under its own steam to Woodhams Bros. scrapyard in Barry, where it remained for the next 10 years before being rescued from the scrapyard in 1975. Its survival adds another fascinating chapter to a Gala that promises to showcase the breadth and variety of Britain’s steam locomotive heritage.

Alongside the visiting engines, GCR’s home fleet will be out in force throughout the event, with an intensive programme of passenger, goods and double-headed workings. Visitors will have the chance to see locomotives from different eras and industries in operation on the UK’s only double-track main line heritage railway.

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway, said: “We’re delighted to now have the full visiting line-up confirmed for this year’s Autumn Steam Gala. ‘Little & Large’ gives us the perfect opportunity to bring together such a fascinating mix of locomotives, and the final two additions – Newstead and 9681 – add even more character and variety to what was already a very exciting line-up.

“Each of these visiting locomotives has its own story to tell, from Newstead’s remarkable rediscovery and return to steam to 9681’s survival after a decade at Barry scrapyard. Combined with our own fleet and the intensive timetable, this is shaping up to be a fantastic four days for enthusiasts, photographers, families and anyone with an interest in Britain’s steam railway heritage.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the organisations and individuals who have made it possible for these locomotives to join us. We can’t wait to see them in action on the Great Central Railway.”

Away from the locomotives, visitors will be able to explore the GCR’s beautifully restored stations and on-site museums, while enjoying food and drink across the railway. The event will also provide opportunities to get closer to the railway’s heritage and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a working heritage railway.

With the full visiting line-up now confirmed, home fleet favourites joining five distinctive guest locomotives and an intensive programme of passenger and goods services, the Autumn Steam Gala promises a spectacular celebration of heritage steam.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit this link.