Whilst we are all waiting for the day that steam trains return, we thought we would share these memories sent into RailAdvent from the West Somerset Railway of their 2020 Santa Steam Trains.
Mike Thompson took these photos showing Guard, Graham Archer, giving the green flag to the first train at 11 am.
The train was hauled by GWR Mogul 2-6-0 No. 9351 which was built at Swindon Works in 1934, but converted from a 2-6-0 tank engine to a 2-6-0 tender engine at Minehead in 2004.
9351 is just one of two conversions that have taken place.
Not long after the first train departed, a steam traction engine arrived at the West Somerset Railway around 11:30 with a hot bearing, so the railway gave him a space to carry out repairs and a top-up of water before they continued on their journey.
With some railways beginning to run trains (depending on restrictions) in mid-April, what railway are you looking forward to visiting? Let us know in the comments below!
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Would like to experience the South Tynedale Railway, if they decide to operate this year.
I’m just looking forward to visiting any heritage railway. I don’t care which one or even if it’s diesel or steam on offer. Anything will do.
I’ve not travelled on any train for over a year now. That’s probably the longest interval in my life.