Rail buffs

Couldn’t resist turning out this morning for the Dorset Coast Express train heading through Hampshire drawn by the classic steam locomotive, Union of South Africa.

It is the third day trip excursion this summer by the special train, starting at London’s Victoria station and ending up at the Dorset seaside town of Weymouth.

Apart from those travelling on the train, there is invariably a band of rail buffs who recall the days of mighty traditional steam powered engines like this hauling trains across the country, both long distance and on local branch lines.

But my hopes of getting a second glimpse of the train today were to be dashed. Its planned route back to London on a circuitous journey through central Hampshire sadly went astray. Along with a group of rail enthusiasts all armed with cameras we duly arrived at Romsey’s rail station at the anticipated time it was due. And waited . . .

And waited while four regular trains on normal service came and went before word reached us that our special had suffered a breakdown. By then the light was fading for good pictures, and there was no word when or if the special would pass that way.

Ah well, I secured my picture earlier in the day, and there is still one more similar trip scheduled next month by the Dorset Coast special. I’m sure to turn out again.