A moment of pure nostalgia

 

The sight and sound of a steam locomotive revives the nostalgia of a time gone by and brings to mind many wonderful memories of steam railway travel.  Thanks to the dedication of railway enthusiasts, classic engines and carriages have been lovingly and faithfully restored to working condition and regularly ply their trade on many main lines.

 

The Cathedrals Express Steam Train journeys from central London to England's beautiful cathedral cities is about as good as nostalgia gets providing a trip which is sure to make a true steam train fan break into a smile. 

 

There is a wide choice of destinations including some of Britain's most beautiful historic cities. With all the trips you have 3 to 4 hours of leisure time to explore the cities and cathedrals if you wish.

 

 

We are always delighted when our team of photographers submit new images for either the website or Across the Plain and this latest photograph from Gary Dolphin of Gooch Lodge No.1295 (named after Sir Daniel Gooch) provides an evocative image of  a ‘West Country’ class locomotive from the Southern Region.

 

The photograph was taken at Purton as the Cathedrals Express charter made its way from Swindon to Bath. 

 

Real train enthusiasts in the Province will know the locomotive is actually No. 34046 ‘Braunton' - but for the purposes of the 'Cathedrals Express' charter it was renamed and renumbered No. 34052 'Lord Dowding’ a ‘Battle of Britain’ class locomotive which was identical to the West Country class.

 

There will always be friendly rivalry between the supporters of the Great Western Railway, quite properly called God's Wonderful Railway and the Southern Railway - it all depends on whether you come from the North or South of the Province.