To mark Pancake Day tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th March, The Watercress Line in Hampshire has released the footage of pancakes being cooked in the firebox of newly restored Merchant Navy Class Pacific No. 35005 Canadian Pacific.

To celebrate the completion of Canadian Pacific’s restoration, railway historian and broadcaster Tim Dunn visited The Watercress Line to cook pancakes in the firebox of its newly reconstructed boiler.

Tim’s verdict was “Not chuffing bad!” with the addition of Canadian Maple Syrup giving them an appropriate topping.

The railway recorded an interview with Tim while he visited the Hampshire line as a representative of Railway 200 and can be seen by clicking here.

After years of meticulous restoration, this powerful steam giant is set to make a triumphant return to the rails next month, offering exclusive rides and an unforgettable journey through time.

Canadian Pacific’s first run will be on Wednesday, 19th March before a special four-day event to celebrate its restoration takes place from Thursday, 20th to Sunday, 23rd March.

Restoration took 14 years and included a complete overhaul, reconstruction of the boiler, frame repairs, and meticulously restoring intricate mechanical components.

Newly restored Merchant Navy Class No. 35005 Canadian Pacific will return to service on The Watercress Line from Thursday, 20th to Sunday, 23rd March.

“This fantastic restoration of the historic locomotive Canadian Pacific is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our partners. Canadian Pacific is not just a locomotive; she represents the rich heritage of British engineering and the enduring spirit of our railway community. Over the past decade, the commitment from our volunteers has been nothing short of extraordinary. This project not only breathes new life into a historic locomotive but also helps us inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve our railway heritage.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line