We're back with some mainline action this week, taking a look at B1 61306 'Mayflower' and her run with 'The Cathedrals Express' from Southend to 'The Bluebell Railway'.
This is not the first time Steam Dreams have used the Bluebell as either a destination or start point, and on this occation they partnered up the the preserved line to create a very interesting day out for the passengers.
After a spiffing run down from Southend, first seen here at Merstham, the tour made it's way to Kingscote where the Bluebell had put on an extra train for the passengers to transfer onto with SE&CR 01 65 & Maunsell Q Class 30541 at the helm. Mayflower attached to the rear of the train to be brought to Sheffield Park for servicing.
After the B1 was replenished at Sheffield Park, she took charge of the 16.35 departure to Kingscote, with S15 847 at the rear, before re-attaching to her railtour and heading back for London.
The weather proved cloudy for most of the day, yet lighting conditions helped to provide the perfect backdrop for the B1s venture on the Bluebell, and it proved highly succesful! Hope you enjoy.
Previous Cathedrals Express at Bluebell:
• (HD) 'The Cathedrals E...
JP SteamMedia:
• 61306 'Mayflower' Head...