Update 5th September: The Didcot Railway Centre have updated their statement to confirm that the issue is with the sub-contractors and the insurance company, not the main contractor involved in the overhaul.

The Didcot Railway Centre has revealed that it will not be able to run its locomotive GWR ’14XX’ No. 1466 in steam at its Autumn Steam Gala this weekend.

After 1466 returned to traffic, issues emerged concerning the insurance company and the sub-contractors who had been employed in the overhaul of the engine’s boiler.

The locomotive is not allowed to run in steam while the issues are being addressed and resolved.

The Didcot Railway Centre has described this situation as “quite a blow” to the Great Western Society and the team that has been managing the engine’s restoration.

There had already been several long delays in the overhauling, but once these had been overcome, the Centre was confident that 1466 would be back in service.

However, despite this further delay, the Centre has decided to go ahead with its gala, at which enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see and photograph both no. 1466 and no. 1450 (which was repainted in Great Western livery several years ago) together at the front of the engine shed.

The weekend event will also include locomotive no. 1450 running an ‘Autocoach sandwich’ on the Centre’s branch line. SECR 01 No. 65 will visit for the event, and will haul both a freight train and passenger rides with two of the Centre’s Victorian bogie coaches.

Didcot Railway Centre’s home locomotives, Pendennis Castle and Trojan, will both be running. This will be the last time that Pendennis Castle will run instead with its 3,500-gallon tender.

It will operate with the two Victorian coaches. 1340 Trojan will provide rides and shunting around the site.

The Centre has apologised to enthusiasts, saying that it is “really sorry” that it has had to take the decision not to run no. 1466 at the gala.

“We know that you were all looking forward to seeing it [no. 1466] this weekend and sincerely apologise that we aren’t able to deliver on this occasion. We are confident however, that with two visiting engines and Pendennis and Trojan providing extra steam power that it will still be a great weekend regardless.”

Didcot Railway Centre