A FORMER LMS Steam locomotive saved from being scrapped by a group of rail enthusiasts in the 1960s has worked a charter train through the area, writes Neil Gordon.
Jubilee Class locomotive 45596 Bahamas called at Barnt Green and Worcestershire Parkway on July 5 while hauling Vintage Trains ‘Cathedrals Express’ from Birmingham to Swansea and back during Railway 200 celebrations.
The 4-6-0 steam engine was built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow in 1934 before entering service in January 1935 with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS).
The locomotive went on to cover around 1.4million miles during its working life before being withdrawn in mid-1966.
90-year old former LMS locomotive 45596 Bahamas passes through Bromsgrove. Picture Neil Gordon Media.
A group of rail enthusiasts then formed the Bahamas Locomotive Society to preserve the engine in 1967 with the assistance of a £3,000 donation from a businessman, despite British Rail already having agreed to sell the locomotive to a scrap merchant.
Around 120 passengers boarded the charter at Barnt Green and Worcestershire Parkway before travelling on the line between Chepstow and Swansea to mark the 175th anniversary of that route. opening.
Stunning footage
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During its journey, these stunning pictures and video footage captured the Jubilee Class locomotive number 45596, named Bahamas.
It was returning to Barnt Green from Wales when rail enthusiast Matt Wilson used his drone to record the steam engine hauling Vintage Train’s Cathedrals Express at Vigo.
A stunning image of steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas captured by Matt Wilson’s drone from a hight of 75ft.
Mr Wilson has since shared the stunning footage via his YouTube channel with around 400 people already viewing the clip.
The drone was at a height of about 75ft when it captured the 90-year old former LMS locomotive heading towards Blackwell summit, as the train returned to Barnt Green from Swansea.
Mr Wilson said: “I have owned my drone since February as I wanted to supplement my hobbies of being a railway enthusiast and a photographer to offer different and new perspectives.
The Cathedrals Express approaches Blackwell on the Lickey Incline. By Matt Wilson.
I’m really pleased with the footage as generally I usually do more stills photography.
The Cathedrals Express called at Barnt Green on July 5 before it headed to Wales during celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of the opening of the line between Chepstow and Swansea.
Redditch resident Matt, who is employed as a depot driver for Chiltern Railways, added: “I’m delighted to share this recording with people through my YouTube channel and hope they enjoy watching it as much as I do.”
