In October 2857 paid a visit to the West Somerset Railway for their Gala. Suffice to say everyone had a very pleasant time in Minehead, with the locomotive performing well and pleasing the crowds. With the use of both the Minehead turntable, and Norton triangle, nearly every run was smokebox leading. This provided a great sight for the photographers gathered up and down the line.
Other than her trip away, 28 has continued to serve at the SVR racking up yet more mileage. The usual repairs and jobs being carried out during boiler washouts, see her continue to perform like a sewing machine.
For the third year in succession 2857 achieved the highest annual mileage of any loco in the SVR fleet, 10,875 miles. Contrary to the peculiar view of some board members, Engineering Manager Ian Walker commented “She is ideal for the line – does everything you ask without even breaking a sweat!”
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