TRAIN enthusiasts will have an opportunity to see another world famous steam engine pass through Wellington when it hauls the Welsh Marches Express through parts of Devon and Somerset this summer.

More ‘classic steam experiences’ are being organised by Saphos Trains this summer, with carriages being hauled by one of “our immaculately restored engines”; either the LMS 46100 ‘Royal Scot’, the West Country 34046 ‘Braunton’ or the Pacific 70000 ‘Britannia’.

Those committed to spotting one of these engines will need to be an early riser on Tuesday, June 25. With the locomotive scheduled to embark on its journey from Paignton at 6.10am, it’s expected to arrive at Tiverton Parkway at 7.25am, and will therefore pass Wellington en-route to Taunton, where it’s expected to pick up more passengers at 7.40pm.

Historic engines on tour regularly pass Wellington and around this time last year, hundreds of enthusiasts and others who were ‘just interested’ lined the main railway through the town to catch sight of the world’s most famous steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman. On Sunday (April 30), the engine steamed through as part of its centenary year tour of the UK, pulling nine carriages on a ‘Royal Duchy’ excursion from Bristol to Cornwall. 

Crowds gathering near the Beam Bridge Inn to watch the Flying Scotsman
Some of the crowds returning their cars after the Flying Scotsman steamed up the Whiteball Bank near Wellington (Tindle News)

Saphos Trains, as seen on Britain’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys on More4, said in its publicity: “Traversing the breath-taking beauty of the Welsh Marches route our steam hauled train offers a totally unique day out as we travel through the rolling hills of the pretty Hereford and Shropshire countryside, dividing England and Wales, for a visit to historic Shrewsbury.

“Passing through the Severn Tunnel we take the fast line to Newport where we cross the River Usk with superb views of the Brecon Beacons as the black mountains tower above the train.

“This tour may not be suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues.”

The firm has not disclosed which of its pool of restored steam engines will be used on the journeys, but they’re steeped in history. The 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ was built in 1927 and was the flagship engine of the LMS. In 1933 it was selected to travel to the USA for the Century of Progress Exposition. Complete with a set of carriages she was displayed in Chicago, travelled throughout the country, and even crossed the Rocky Mountains.

Built by the Southern Railway in 1946, the 34046 ‘Braunton’, a member of the West Country class, was designed to work some of the fastest and most celebrated trains on the South coast, including the Bournemouth Belle and Atlantic Coast Express.

The first of its class of 55 Pacific locomotives built by British Railways, the 70000 Britannia’ entered service in 1951 and worked crack express trains from London to East Anglia. In 1952 she had the honour of hauling the funeral train of King George VI from Kings Lynn to London and in 2012 the Royal train with HRH Prince Charles on board.