Scottish & Sulzer Blues | Spa Valley Railway 08/02/2026

A Scottish survivor steaming deep within Southern Railway territory, with a dose of Sulzer goodness thrown in.

The Spa Valley Railway is one of the few heritage railways that features regular weekend running throughout the winter months, giving enthusiasts an antidote to the usual drought of steam. Caledonian Railway 812 Class - 828, on hire from the Strathspey Railway, would be joined by resident Class 33 - 33063 "R. J. Mitchell Designer of the Spitfire" to deliver the days’ services; operating the Green ‘Winter’ Timetable. 828 was built in 1899 at the former St Rollox works in Glasgow, and is one of only three surviving steam locomotives from the Caledonian Railway. By contrast, there are currently 9 times as many Class 33s in preservation, with 33063 being one of a pair that are based on the Spa Valley Railway.

The Green ‘Winter’ timetable sees four return trips take place between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge. The short stretch from Birchden Junction to Eridge provides the rare opportunity to capture the heritage railway operating alongside the national network, as the two run parallel for a brief section; as demonstrated by 171805 passing Forge Farm shortly before 33063 emerges.

Locomotives:
CR 812 Class - 828
BR Class 33 - 33063 "R. J. Mitchell Designer of the Spitfire" (name and number not carried)
Southern Class 171 - 171805

00:00 - 828 Tunbridge Wells West
01:48 - 828 Harrisons Rocks
03:07 - 828 Tunbridge Wells West
04:48 - 33063 Poke Hill Farm
06:06 - 33063 Groombridge
08:11 - 828 High Rocks Woods
10:24 - 828 High Rocks Lane
12:01 - 171805 Forge Farm
12:31 - 33063 Forge Farm
13:30 - 828 Cold Bath Bridge

All footage filmed on Sunday the 8th of February 2026.