Steam at York

Steam at York
Forty years after British Rail ran its last ever steam trains on the mainline the heritage sector steams on with historic and new build locomotives running charter trains alongside the newer electric and diesel trains. Three large steam engines were in York on Saturday with Christmas specials from London and Birmingham. Ex LMS express loco Royal Scot brought in the Yuletide Express from Ealing Broadway, London and ex LNER A4 Pacific Union of South Africa took the train back to London.
Former Great Western Railway Castle Class engine Earl of Mount Edgcumbe powered the Christmas White Rose special from Birmingham and back. Huge crowds always turn up to photograph these events and not just when headliners like Flying Scotsman and Tornado are working. Thank heavens for live view so you can grab overhead shots.

Earl of Mount Edgcumbe arriving from Birmingham



Royal Scot after arriving from London



Crowds mobbing Royal Scot



A4 Class streamliner Union of South Africa



Union of South Africa and fans

Very nice David
I wait two hours at Doncaster for the union of South Africa from Norwich to York a week last Thursday and it was two hours late so never got to see it

Hello David.
My favourite is #4 featuring "Number 9" because of the steam and the light.

Saw the "Earl" and the "Scot" much closer to home.

Below is my shot of 5043 drawing much attention as it eased up to the end of the platform at Ilkeston station which (re-)opened earlier this year.

Thanks Neil and Peter. Sorry you missed No.9 last week Neil, it won't be running on the mainline for much longer as its owner John Cameron is retiring to his museum it after its hectic career in the heritage sector following a front line career with the LNER and BR.
Peter, I wondered if I might see you in York but as you say you got pictures much closer to home.
David

The front on angles are unusual in the first two, and all the better for it. The one with the crowded platform has an originality to it that is really appealing .....it's like they're all fighting to get on because the previous train was cancelled (temporary shortage of firestokers) and this one has a short formation due to industrial action in the shunting yard! (Yes, I am travelling home on Southern right now!).