Wednesday 10 July 2019

'The Royal Scotsman' in Hampshire, 9th July 2019


66746  + 66743 1Z82 1330 Bath Spa - Southampton - Oxford -  Banbury, as part of the Grand Tour of Britain.

The schedule showed a short stop at Romsey, but the train rolled through. Many patrons appeared to be absent, apart from a handful in the observation car.

Prototype Sprinter 150001, now 35 years old, recedes as 66746 + 66743 approach Romsey.

A few yards closer.

The new kid on the block is 99337 State Car - Spa. This was originally Pullman Kitchen Second PKS  E337E built by Metro-Cammell to Lot 3281 in 1960. Withdrawn in 1977, and spent time unrestored at the Nene Valley and Great Central Railways. More on the Bamford Haybarn Spa.

A few minutes later, the train approaches Redbridge. Image by Ian Knight.