A storming Battle of Britain: June 14th 2009.

14th June 2009 saw Battle of Britain Class Bulleid pacific on a trip around Kent. From the lineside, (later confirmed by those on the train), it was pretty obvious the pacific was putting in a superlative performance! next The Nine Elms Dedication Discusssion Forum

Paddock Wood was the first of two locations I had chosen for the day. Here I hoped to see the pacific running at it's current maximum permitted speed. next

I was not disappointed! "Tangy" raced through the station at 76 mph making a wonderful exhaust noise.

next Such was the overall spectacle from the lineside I almost didn't take any photos: transfixed as I was by the sight and sound of the original condition Bulleid passing! next

For my evening location I had decided on Sole Street station. At the top of the 5 miles of the mainly 1/100 climb from heavily speed restricted Rochester. next

The climb had been magnificent: I could hear the loco for several minutes before it stormed over the summit at 39 mph. A speed higher than any I have ever seen for a Bulleid Light Pacifc at that loacation with such a load even back in normal steam days. top  Earlier 2009 Photos   Index