Thursday 7th March 2019 saw B1 61306 ‘Mayflower’ return to the tracks after a three-year overhaul at Carnforth.

This was the first run of the locomotive on its own, having double-headed a few weeks ago with 35018 British India Line (video here).

The locomotive appeared in Apple Green livery and hauled ten carriages from London Victoria to Bath and Bristol via Salisbury.

A highlight of the trip came on the return journey when the locomotive climbed Upton Scudamore with the locomotive achieving a very respectable 21mph on the notorious 1 in 70 gradient section.

What did the officials say?

Chairman of Steam Dreams, David Buck commented;

“I am overjoyed to be welcoming Mayflower back to the mainline after a lengthy overhaul, and all the better that her first trip in the south of the country is with Steam Dreams. The trip couldn’t be more perfect – the engine looks and sounds better than ever and the itinerary represents everything we hope to achieve in the future, with regular schedules and no diesel assistance.”

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