| Thursday 26 April 2018 The Great Britain XI excursion (Day 8 of 9) organised by Railway Touring Company, saw the train running from Cardiff to Swanage via Yeovil Junction and Weymouth. 'U' Class 31806 ran light engine from Swanage to Yeovil Junction arriving at 10.33. The train from Cardiff, headed by Black 5 45212 followed at 12.55pm. Both engines had to be turned so that, after a reversal at Yeovil Pen Mill, 31806 was the lead engine over Evershot bank. The Black 5 the led from Weymouth to Wareham and 31806 took over into Swanage. The final day would then see the Black 5 take the train back to London Victoria. |
| 45212 with train at Avoncliffe. (photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| 'U' Class 31806 enroute to Yeovil from Swanage at Wrackleford Farm. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Maiden Newton. (photo courtesy Keith Fletcher) |
| (photo courtesy Keith Fletcher) |
| Lull before the storm? |
| BBC Bristol/Somerset broadcast live from the Centre from noon to 2pm. Here Steve Yabsley is interviewing our Helen whilst Martin (of BBC) looks on. (Photo courtesy Andy Sugg) |
| 31806 nears the turntable. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (photo courtesy Keith Fletcher) |
| 31806 on Turntable. (photo courtesy Keith Fletcher) |
| (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Ruston diesel and Andrew Barclay 'Lord Fisher' on loan from Barry Buckfield. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Lord Fisher gave a limited number of brake van rides as well as shunting the Black 5's support coach. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Our newly finished wagon 'Yeovil Gas Works' poses with the L&SWR Gunpowder van and the ICI Tank wagon (the latter two are on loan from National Railway Museum). (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| 45212 approaches Yeovil Junction on the Pen Mill branch. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| 45212 approaches Platform 3. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| 31806 and Lord Fisher in the loop. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Black 5 into Yeovil Railway Centre. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Dropping support coach off. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| A fine sight. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 45212 is turned. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 45212 after turning. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (photo courtesy Tony Reese) |
| Yes, there were a few showers despite the sunny forecast! (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 31806 is attached to west end of train. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Three locos. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| 45212 ready at Platform 4. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Train departing. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 31806 is at the end of the train. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Having reversed at Yeovil Pen Mill, 31806 is now in charge of its first main line passenger train in preservation. Seen from the east end of our site. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 45212 now at rear but will bank train up Evershot Bank. Later 31806 will return the favour by banking out of Weymouth. (photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| Melbury Bubb. (photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| At Wrackleford Farm. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Wool with Black 5 leading.... (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| ....31806 now trailing. (photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| BACK |
