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31 March 2007
850 Lord Nelson stands at Eastleigh at the end of this 'Trafalgar Express'
tour. The tour had started earlier in the day at Eastleigh, running Diesel hauled to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway.
850 then hauled the return from Minehead via Bristol, Salisbury and Romsey to Eastleigh.
This was the first mainline tour for 850 since 1985. The locomotive is owned by the National
Railway Museum and is currently on loan to Eastleigh Railway Preservation Society (ERPS). The ERPS undertook an extensive
overhaul of Lord Nelson at Eastleigh in 1997. Indeed, 850 was built at Eastleigh works in 1926.
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09 May 2007
850 Lord Nelson stands at Brookwood in the evening rain during a water stop.
850 was returning to London Victoria following a trip to Bath and Bristol with this Cathedrals Express tour.
Listen as Lord Nelson makes a sure footed departure on Sound 2007 here. Also listen to 850 passing Virginia Water just a few minutes after leaving Brookwood.
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19 May 2007
In these three views we see 850 Lord Nelson with 'The Dorset Coast Express'
tour from London Victoria to Weymouth and return. Firstly, we see 850 just getting underway following a water stop at
Winchfield. An Waterloo bound Desiro Express hurries by on the 'up' side, whilst the 10.44 to Basingstoke waits in the
distance to call at the station. Next, we see 850, now well underway. Finally, the loco emerges from under the
bridge at the end of the station and heads through the cutting across Shapley Heath towards Hook and Basingstoke.
Listen as Lord Nelson gets underway on Sound 2007 here.
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13 June 2007
A classic location on L&SWR metals easily identified by the banner-repeater signal between the
'down' fast and slow lines, prominent on the right hand side of this image. 850 Lord Nelson pauses
at Farnborough for less than a minute on the return leg of this Sunny South Special from London Victoria to Weymouth.
Just enough time to fire off one frame as bystanders crowd infront of our position.
Listen as Lord Nelson makes a spirited departure on Sound 2007 here.
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23 June 2006 850 hauled 'The Bristol and Bath' from Haywards Heath to Bristol and return. On
the return 850 made a brief but poignant stop at its birthplace and site of recent major overhaul. The loco
left Eastleigh and continued its journey to Haywards Heath in good hands though as Peter Roberts took charge of the regulator. This
short sequence is taken at Eastleigh on the return.
Listen as 850 makes a smooth departure with a 12 coach load and no diesel on damp rails on Sound 2007 here. A great performance from this powerful machine. |
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Firstly, we see 850 arriving, on time at Platform 2.
Second, waiting to get underway during the stop and crew change.
Next, 850 heads off towards the Hedge End/ Botley branch next to Desiro unit 450048 which is stationary.
Lastly, we get an overall view of the south end of Eastleigh yard. In the background 850 heads round the curve towards
Fareham past some of the old works buildings.
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08 July 2007
Another distinctive view from Farnborough with the hut on the right and untypical footbridge for
this section of line. In the upper right we see the tower of the church of St Michael's Abbey. 850 Lord Nelson thunders
through the station with 'The Southern Sunset'. One of a number of tours run to commemorate the final steam hauled passenger
service on the old Southern region on 09 July 1967. 850 is heading for Exeter from London Waterloo and looks in good
shape here. Sadly, on the return leg, 850 suffered a collapsed 'brick arch' at Westbury and was unable to complete the
trip. The 'arch' is critical in directing the fire towards the boiler.
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15 August 2007
In pouring rain, 850 Lord Nelson charges through the night on the 'up
fast' at Fleet. Running on the 'fast' with the glistening tracks, exhaust lying on the tender illuminated by the fire,
850 makes a spectacular sight. Running nearly an hour down and trying to make up time, 850 was heading for London Waterloo
following a trip to Weymouth. The tour had originated at Kensington Olympia.
Note: December 2007
After this trip it serious problems with the boiler on 850 were discovered. As a result the
owners of 850, the National Railway Museum, have withdrawn Lord Nelson for investigation and the locomotive is currently on
static display at the museum in York. 850 is likely to be out of action for sometime and this dramatic view is something
of a finale of the brief return to main line running of this fine locomotive. Keep up to date with progress on 850 at
Eastleigh Railway Preservation Society here.
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