Margate resident John Horton captured this photo today (May 15) near Richborough Fort, of the Britannia Class steam loco as it passed through on its journey from Norwich to Canterbury West and return.
John says: “Today saw Britannia Class steam loco 70000 Britannia haul a special from Norwich to Canterbury West and return. Arriving at Canterbury West at 13:23 as 1Z31 from Norwich.
“After replenishing with water and a top up of coal, she departed at 15:55 from Canterbury West as 1Z34 to Norwich via Minster, Sandwich, Martin Mill, Dover Priory, Ashford International, and will replenish her water supply again at Paddock Wood.
“The Tour was operated by LSL – Locomotive Services Limited as “The Golden Arrow” and the loco carried the resplendent headboard and flags of France and Great Britain accordingly.
“For insurance purposes – along with supplying electricity to the coaches for lighting and cooking, as a precaution in case there was a ban on steam today due to the dry weather – class 47 locomotive 47593 “Galloway Princess” was tacked on at the rear of the train, itself only having been recently released from Eastleigh Arlington Works in Intercity Executive Livery.
“There are more tours planned this year and details will be announced shortly.”
I was wondering if there are any photos of the class 47?
Why the French flag?
Because,until 1972, the train ran a service that linked London and Paris. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Arrow_(train)