The Didcot Railway Centre has confirmed the start of its steam train rides for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began.
Visitors will be able to take a ride behind GWR express locomotive No. 2999 Lady of Legend on the Centre's demonstration line at weekends and on Wednesdays.
The return of steam trains come after a number of successful open days since reopening on the 4th July 2020.
“Visitor feedback about the measures we have implemented to welcome our audiences back safely has been very positive,” said Chief Executive, Emma Jhita, “We have limited numbers, staggered arrival times and set up extra outdoor displays and photo opportunities,” she added.
“Our preserved steam locomotives have been like slumbering giants so we are delighted that we can now reawaken them and start running trains,” explained Emma, “There will be a separate entrance and exit to the platform, and we will invite visitors to board one group at a time, but once aboard they can really experience rail travel as it was a century ago in absolutely beautiful carriages.”
Earlier this month, the DRC learnt that the project to build Lady of Legend had been shortlisted in the Best Conservation/Restoration Project national Museums & Heritage Awards after 24 years and £825,000 to complete the locomotive.
In the Engine Shed, a one-way system allows visitors to climb on 5900 ‘Hinderton Hall', while the route takes visitors through the carriage display.
Further details can be found, and tickets booked on their website, at www.DidcotRailwayCentre.org.uk.
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Wow, This’ll Be A Preservation Highlight… Especially for the Didcot Railway Centre and it’s own Beloved fleet of ex-Great Western Engines and Rolling Stock alike.
Although I’ve still yet to hopefully visitthe DRC in Oxfordshire, ‘in-person’ someday,
The Didcot Railway Centre is on my ”Eagerly-Must-Visit” Transportation Destinations List.
Furthermore, That 2999 Lady of Legend, is most certainly an incredibly well-preserved Great Western tender locomotive.
Lady of Legend is a new build locomotive, not strictly a preserved loco.