22/07/2000 – 23/07/2000 Keighley and Worth Valley

Whilst at this railway with 5580 in 1999 , tentative arrangements were made regarding the visit of 31108 , even though at the time 108 was still a long way off from completion. Fortunately everything went according to plan and following tyre – turning at Toton , DRS 20904 & 20906 moved 31108 to Haworth on Friday 21st July 2000.The Friday evening saw 108 undergo the KWVR’s loco inspection so all was indeed well for the following days events.

The Saturday saw 108 complete 2 ‘ hellfire ‘ round trips with the Sunday producing more entertainment with 3 round trips.Locos involved in the Gala included the 2 DRS Class 20s , 20031 , visiting 20189 , 25059 , 31108 and visiting 50007 from Butterley.No problems at all over the weekend thankfully , beautiful weather and scenery and top notch Timmy Taylors Beers ….! Cracking event unfortunately marred by a ‘ blown out of proportion non – incident ‘ at Keighley on the Sunday afternoon prior to 108’s departure…..

Oxenhope station and 31108 has just arrived with atrain from Keighley….22/07/00

31108 & 25059 outside Haworth shed awaiting uncoupling with a train from Oxenhope…23/07/00

31108 stands on Oxenhope shed along with 50007 & 20189 with 20904 & 20906 awaiting departure…23/07/00

We lost count of the people ‘ bellowing ‘ about 108’s performance….all very kind indeed…..! Movement away from KWVR was almost immediate with 31108 being moved to Old Oak Common on Monday 24th July by 37608 along with 50007 to meet up with 5580 for the event there.

37608 hauling 31108 & 50007 away from Keighley to Old Oak Common..24/07/00