Homecoming

SR Merchant Navy Class no.35018 'British India Line' made a welcome return this month to the Southern Region for the first time since 1964. Having been in store until 2003 at the Mid Hants Railway ever since it was bought from Barry Scrapyard, the loco was then moved to the Isle of Purbeck from which it finally went to West Coast Railways at Carnforth for restoration in 2012. The loco returned to steam in 2017 but has mainly been confined to the North West before operating two charters in July to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the end of Southern steam.

 

Just managing to dodge the shadows, 35018 'British India Line' makes a fine sight as it powers passed Battledown Flyover with 1Z82 08:46 London Victoria to Weymouth Railway Touring Company's 'Bournemouth Belle' on 6th July 2019. WCRC class 47 no.47802 was on the rear for the return leg from Weymouth to Southampton.

 

Please note: despite appearances this was taken from the correct side of the fence as it moves closer to the running line where I was stood.

Done