A PRESERVED diesel locomotive known as a Deltic is set to stop at Northfield and Bromsgrove whilst on an excursion to the Severn estuary and heart of Wales line.
The locomotive, a former British Rail class 55, numbered 55009 and named Alycidon, will be making what is believed to be the first stop at Northfield and Bromsgrove for this type of locomotive when it hauls Pathfinder Trains ‘Welsh Central Liner’ tomorrow (Saturday).
The Deltics were built between 1961 and 1962 to replace steam locomotives on passenger services between Kings Cross and Scotland, with six of the 22 locomotives built saved for preservation.
Tomorrow’s trip begins in Burton-on-Trent, continues through the Midlands before heading towards the Severn Estuary, Newport and Cardiff. It then journeys on and joins the Central Wales Line, passing through Llandrindod and Craven Arms before arriving in Shrewsbury for a break.
Peter Watts, Pathfinder Tours’ general manager, said: “We are delighted to run such a classic day out along the Severn Estuary and Heart of Wales Line.
“To be hauled by a Deltic only adds to the specialness of the experience.”
The tour stops at Northfield at 6.35am, returning at 10.05pm, and Bromsgrove at 6.55am, getting back at 9.30pm.
A few standard class seats remained available as the Standard went to press.
Visit www.pathfindertours.co.uk for more information.
