"The King and I"
To use these photographs, use the link on the left to contact me. Use of these photographs without permission may result in legal action being taken.
Sunday 3rd February 2002 saw the tentative return to the main line of ex GWR "King Class" No. 6024 "King Edward I" after spending most of 2001 suffering from hot box problems which had seen its withdrawal from two tours during the year. This was the first of three "proving runs" with Vintage Trains's "Shakespeare Express"; having missed the engine on the "Severn Coast Express", I was fortunate enough to get a ticket on the her "comeback tour" and I am pleased to report that all went well with KE1 putting in an excellent performance, only being hampered by having to work tender-first from Birmingham Snow Hill. Facing the right way for the return leg (traditional wheel-slip from Stratford excepted) saw the engine given a freer rein, and a performance more worthy of the class.
6024 "King Edward I" at Stratford-Upon-Avon on 3rd February 2002, with the "Shakespeare Express"
The Vintage Trains stewards clean the carriages for the return journey, something that the Central Trains DMU that got me from Worcester to Snow Hill was in dire need of.
6024 "King Edward I" reverses back onto the carriages for return to Snow Hill.
6024 "King Edward I" awaits return to Snow Hill.