Following a heavy overhaul at Locomotive Maintenance Services of Loughborough, the Didcot Railway Centre welcomed back the Alexandra Dock Railway 0-4-0 Saddle Tank No. 1340 'Trojan' in the Spring of 2021. The loco was launched back into service over the Bank Holiday Weekend in April and May, after an absence of 10 years!
Carrying GWR livery, 'Trojan' is now officially the oldest Great Western locomotive in current operation, being outshopped by the Avonside Engine Company of Bristol in 1897!
The loco was in operation on Wednesday 26th May, during one of the Centre's scheduled steam days. The 0-4-0 would haul shuttles along the main demonstration line during the day, heading the resident GWR vintage set of coaches.
This comprehensive video showcases the action during the day. We begin with a few detailed shots of 1340 standing outside the engine shed, along with a closer glimpse of the other locomotives on display. This includes the New-Build GWR Saint No. 2999 'Lady of Legend', which has recently returned to Oxfordshire, following its highly coveted visit to the Severn Valley Railway during April and May.
This is followed by 'Trojan' moving off shed to collect the vintage coaches, in readiness to handle the shuttles along the 'Main' demonstration line, which runs the whole length of the Great Western Society's base. The shuttles are captured from several different angles and locations, which includes a handful of brief encounters with mainline trains that use the Didcot avoiding line, heading to and from Oxford.
All scenes were captured on Wednesday 26th May 2021.
1340 'Trojan' is set to be in operation over the 29th - 31st May, running alongside GWR New-Build Saint No. 2999 'Lady of Legend' and GWR Large Prairie No. 4144 during the Centre's 'Bank Holiday Steam Up'. For more information, visit their website here: didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/
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