9 July 2019. Railway Touring Company ran 'End of Southern Steam' excursion from London (Victoria) to Yeovil Junction with 35018 'British India Line'. Class 47 diesel 47245 took the train to Weymouth running round at Yeovil Pen Mill.

Notes by Bob Tucker:- I was working on Portland Bill in April 2012 and the locals told me a steam loco was parked on the main road in the Easton Industrial estate for removal by road. I went round with my camera 25 04 2012 and found it to be 35018 with tender, apparently Dorset Police were concerned about its braking journey down the big hill and wanted two tractor units not one. Hence its delay. Attached a few photos that I took in low res. "Transferred from the Mid Hants in 2003 and acquired by South Coast Steam Ltd. It was sold again to Mr David Smith and was in the process of being transferred with tender (Bibby Line) to West Coast Rail at Carnforth on 25 04 2012 from Portland" What a fabulous job they made of it (Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

(Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

(Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

Only 7 years ago from this condition to....(Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

....this. Approaching Sherborne in a hurry! (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh)

Approaching Platform 3 (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Class 47 47245 (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Looking across the viewing area and turntable a sight of 35018. This was detached and....

....47245 took the train down to Yeovil Pen Mill, snaking across the ladder.

Run onto Yeovil Railway Centre's site.

Coaling first.

Off to the turntable (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Then onto the turntable.

Small crowd to watch the turning!!!

(Photo courtesy Kristian Gough)

(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Tut Tut!! (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Class 47 47245 (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Away to Weymouth (seen at Maiden Newton) and an eventual return to London via Bournemouth. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

BACK