Published on 7th April 1985
The Great Western Limited operated on the 7th April 1985 operating through Taunton, returning steam to the mainline.
The southbound 'Great Western Limited' on the 7th April 1985 was diesel hauled to Bristol Temple Meads from London Paddington by Class 47 No.47484 before transferring to steam power in the shape of GWR 'King' No. 6000 'King George V' and 'Manor' No. 7819 'Hinton Manor'. The pair ran into problems at Taunton with King George V failing with a fault on its tender. The manor then only making it to Exeter (with 37007 + 37178 assisting from the rear from Taunton over Whiteball) before a hot box saw this steam locomotive also being removed from the train, and the Class 37s completing the route to Plymouth. Laira also prepared British Rail Class 50 No.50007 'Sir Edward Elgar' for the return trip to London Paddington that night
Day two of the Great Western Limited on the 8th April 1985 was more successful. Crews worked through the night to repair No. 7819 'Hinton Manor' and move No. 4930 'Hagley Hall' from Kidderminster to Plymouth overnight. This allowed for a Hall and Manor pairing on the northbound charter on the 8th. The consist of the train was formed of the following heritage stock GW 6913 (SVR99240) – Loco Support Coach, Car 356 (21245), W3096, 126 (3196), M3119, 128 (3130), 123 (3109), M3115, 121 (3105), IC1675, Car No 357 (M3112), Car No 358 (M3116), Car No 351.
We have provided a selection of images taken over the two days covering the main events of the historic charters.
