Steam Dreams and 61306 Mayflower acquired by Crewe based Locomotive Services Group

David Buck's LNER B1 61306 Mayflower and Steam Dreams Rail Co have been acquired by Crewe based operator, Locomotive Services Group.

Locomotive Services Group, owned by Jeremy Hosking, will take Steam Dreams Rail Co under the LSL group and will sit alongside its other brands – Saphos Trains, Midland Pullman, Statesman Rail and Intercity.

LNER B1 61306 Mayflower will join the Locomotive Services Group fleet of locomotives, with the group saying that they intend to care for the B1 in the same way as David Buck has previously.

The 2022 Steam Dreams programme will remain the same, the same staff operating the trains.

Steam Dreams Chairman, David Buck, is looking forward to a new era. ‘We have had a fantastic four years, despite the pandemic, successfully consolidating Steam Dreams' existing strengths with the launch of new products including our Royal Windsor and Sunset Steam Express brands which have gone from strength to strength.'

Buck added: ‘I am delighted that the LSL Group will be taking on Mayflower which has achieved such a strong reputation over the years.'

An LSL Spokesperson said ‘The integration of the Steam Dreams business into LS Group operations perfectly complements our existing products.  As we continue our drive to deliver the highest possible quality of Charter Train operations in the UK, this acquisition will see our Group increase its presence in the South of the country, building on the hard work of the Steam Dreams team over many years.  Their brand is synonymous with the same high quality passenger experience as our own, and this combined with our nationwide train operating capability and strong asset base make for a very natural partnership. We are also extremely pleased to welcome B1 Locomotive “Mayflower” into our operating steam fleet.  61306 has been lovingly owned by David and Patricia Buck, and we intend to continue to care for it in the same way that they have.'