A RAILTOUR, which aimed to offer passengers the opportunity to experience rail travel from a bygone era, has been hailed a huge success by organisers, writes Neil Gordon.
Vintage Train’s ‘Mayflower’ ran from Birmingham to Plymouth last month with the highlight of the day being two Castle Class steam locomotives hauling the train between Bristol and Plymouth, after two heritage diesels had taken the tour down from Birmingham.
The train delighted railway fans in the area, calling at Barnt Green and passing through Bromsgrove.
Organisers said much positive feedback had been received about the day which involved steam engines 7029 Clun Castle and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe revisiting a route where both engines had previously set speed records.
Vintage Trains chairman Michael Whitehouse said: “Double-headed steam locomotives on the mainline is a rare occurrence, but running an express steam train with two record breakers is an achievement.
“Our team performed as well as the locomotives and ensured a faultless performance for the passengers on board.”
The Mayflower passing through Devon. Picture by Ben Collier. s
One person who enjoyed the tour was footplate support crew member Chris Field who assisted with the preparation and operation of both steam locomotives in Bristol the day before the trip.
The former North Bromsgrove High School pupil who now lives in Kidderminster was also on the footplate of 5043 during the return run between Bristol and Plymouth to assist with coaling duties and when both steam engines took on extra water at Tiverton and Exeter.
Chris said: “It has been a life-long goal to work on 5043 as the engine works exclusively on limited mainline work. “One day I hope to be a mainline fireman.”
