The Spa Valley Railway would celebrate a special birthday for one of their long term visitors, as Caledonian Railway No. 828 would turn 125 years old during its long stay down south.

Completed in August 1899, 828 was built by the Caledonian Railway Company at St. Rollox engineering workshops, located in the Springburn district of Glasgow. She is the sole survivor of the CR 812 Class, and is usually based at the Strathspey Railway. Since 2022, the engine has been on long term hire to the Spa Valley, originally brought to the line to feature in their 'Scottish Steam Up' event in April of that year, which also saw Caledonian Railway 439 Class No. 419 take part, based at the Bo’ness & Kinnell Railway

It was very fitting, therefore, that two years later, on the weekend of 828's 125th Birthday, 419 would make a return to the Spa Valley to take part in another 'Scottish Steam Up' event dedicated to 828's special milestone. Since it's last visit, 419 has been painted into British Railway black, sporting her BR Number, 55189.

The event would see the two engines share trains, swapping over at Eridge, with a double header at the end of the day to return the pair to Tunbridge Wells. On the day in question, 419 would be unable to run for the first part of the day, but repairs soon saw the loco back in service. For this reason, the Class 25, which had been covering 419's duties, is seen on the back of one of 828's trains after 419 had been fixed, and only one shot of 419 would be captured, this being the departure from Eridge. After this departure, there would be a cake cutting ceremony for 828, with speeches from Spa Valley General Manager, Jonnie Pay, and Marketing & Content Manager of Rails Of Sheffield, Jack Morgan, who would be contributing a large donation to the 828 Trust for the upkeep of the locomotive.

The day in question would add to the Scottish Theme with fairly strong winds, making keeping the camera steady difficult, but none the less it would be a fun day out celebrating this Scottish Icon's 125th Birthday. And the cake was good too!

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