Published on 28th February 2005
On the the 28th February 2005, a very special charter train operated to Paignton to mark the retirement of Bernard Staite who had been involved with railway charter operations since the 1970s.
The special VSOE/ Past Time Rail charter was organized to run from London Victoria to Paignton and return to celebrate his career. Three very special locomotives were provided to operate the tour. Former British Railways Western No. D1015 'Western Champion' Worked the Train to Taunton where Steam Locomotives No. 6024 'King Edward I' and No. 7802 'Bradley Manor' took it forward to Paignton. After delivering the tour to Taunton No. D1015 'Western Champion' returned to Bristol Barton Hill for servicing and fuel, while the steam locomotives would proceed to Paignton and back ready to hand the tour over to the western for the final leg back to London that evening.
The return leg of the day charter met with some delay at Paignton after a repair had to be made to the air pipe on Bradley Manor, this lead to a 90-minute delay. Despite this, there was a great atmosphere at Taunton with snow falling as the locomotive swap was carried out. We have provided a selection of images from the event taken at Taunton Station. Our Youtube Channel also has video footage from the evening.
Mainline Videos also produced a full video of the day featuring footage from lineside, and on board the train, along with speeches and cab footage.
