East Anglia’s steam fans head west to “green” festival at Peterborough
The A4 steam locomotive Union of South Africa was the star guest at the Nene Valley Railway. Picture: PAUL GEATER - Credit: Archant
Steam enthusiasts from across the region headed west at the weekend for a major festival featuring three of the largest locomotives in the country – all in different shades of green.
Battle of Britain class locomotive 92 Squadron pulls out of Wansford with a train for Peterborough. Picture: PAUL GEATER - Credit: Archant
The star of the show at the Nene Valley Railway at Peterborough was LNER A4 pacific locomotive Union of South Africa – the same class as world record holder Mallard – which is making a “farewell tour” as it is due to be retired to a Scottish museum next year.
It was joined by Southern locomotive 92 Squadron, one of a class named after Battle of Britain squadrons, RAF leaders, and airfields. That is based at the Nene Valley and was joining the visitor on pulling full trains.
New steam locomotive Tornado is being repaired at the Nene Valley Railway. Picture: PAUL GEATER - Credit: Archant
The third star was new-build Tornado which is currently under repair at the Nene Valley’s Wansford workshops. It was not in steam – but still attracted admiring looks from large crowds who turned out for the event.
