Three locos for Easter Gala Steam-Up

The first big weekend of the 2025 season at The Middy will be celebrated with no less than 3 locos in steam and working the trains during both Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April.

The first, ‘Sir Berkeley’ is an 0-6-0 saddle tank built by Manning Wardle of Leeds in 1890, owned by the Vintage Carriages Trust and, at 125 years old, is of the generation of engines with no overall cab for crew protection.The loco is a real show stopper of an engine and a delight to see performing at this great age.

A much younger example of steam loco development is ‘Lady Ingrid’ a 1951 vintage 0-4-0 saddle tank built by Andrew Barclay & Co in Kilmarnock, Scotland. No. 2315 will be with us at the Middy for the rest of the summer and, we hope, will become a Brockford resident.

The third engine for Easter is the larger 1941 Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST ‘Swordfish’ which was our Santa Special loco in December last year.

The two Andrew Barclays have a strong family resemblance and make a fine picture together. Easter weekend will be a great opportunity for railway buffs and photographers to see them both in action.

During Easter Weekend all the Middy facilities will all be open, including steam hauled rides in genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches, MSLR museum, visits to the Restoration Shed, souvenir shop, café and the Middy real ale bar. Plus Easter Bunny hunts for younger visitors. The Middy will also be hosting the USAAF 34th Bomb Group’s display again during 2025 and their museum will also be open this weekend.

With three locos on display and the MSLR regular attractions don’t miss Easter at the Middy.

And there will be a FREE shuttle Bus Service to and from Stowmarket mainline station on both days courtesy of the Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group.