Historic steam trains pass through Herefordshire

TRAIN enthusiasts were thrilled on Thursday as they got chance to see two iconic steam engines pass through the county.

Leading the way up the Welsh Marches line was the vintage 46100 Royal Scot, with 70000 Britannia following.

46100 Royal Scot nearing Leominster. Picture: Doug Tantrum

Originally built in 1927, Royal Scot was the flagship engine of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS).

70000 Britannia at Tram Inn. Picture: Nick Chapman

70000 Britannia was built more than 20 years later in 1951 and was initially based at Stratford to work East Anglian expresses to Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

But 15 years later, Britannia was withdrawn from service.

The two steam locomotives were making the journey 152-mile journey from Bristol to Crewe, according to the Realtime Trains website.

After setting off from Barton Hill in the city shortly before 1pm on Thursday (August 13), the trains travelled through Hereford at 3.58pm, Leominster at 4.19pm and Craven Arms at 4.42pm.

The trains then arrived in Crewe at around 6pm.

The two trains at Moreton-on-Lugg. Picture: Nathan James Russell

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