A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE is set to haul a special through Bromsgrove during commemorations marking the last steam engine to work out of London’s Paddington station, writes Neil Gordon.
Locomotive number 7029, Clun Castle, will haul Vintage Train’s ‘Farewell to Steam Special’ this Saturday, November 1 while commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1965 ‘Farewell to Steam’ special.
The train is booked through Bromsgrove at 9.52pm (2152), Barnt Green at 10.02pm (2202) and Northfield at 10.06pm (2006) as it heads from Bristol to Birmingham New Street.
A diesel locomotive will be on the rear providing assistance.
The diesel engine initially hauls the train to London (via Solihull), before Clun Castle takes over and follows the 1965 route the original special took, through Swindon – where Clun Castle was built – and to Bristol.
A spokesperson for Vintage Trains said: “London Paddington will take a step back in time on Saturday as a magnificent steam locomotive returns to the station for the first time in 60 years.
“The journey it takes will recreate the historic 1965 ‘Farewell to Steam’ route — when Britain bid goodbye to the age of steam travel.”
Visit www.vintagetrains.co.uk for more information and details of any remaining tickets available.
