In the early hours of this morning, the final “dress rehearsal” for the upcoming heritage steam runs on the Underground took place. Along with the staff and volunteers were a number of guests, including many of those who have worked hard over recent years to make the steam runs possible.
With Sarah Siddons on hand to provide a shove if needed, Metropolitan Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1 pulled a train comprised of Metropolitan Railway ‘Jubilee’ Carriage No. 353 and the Chesham set of Bogie stock coaches from Earls Court to Moorgate via Baker Street and back again.
The test run was a success, making it an excellent way to properly kick off the birthday celebrations. A selection of photos and videos from the run can be found below.
Met No. 1 Pulls into Earls Court for the first time
Met No. 1 at Earls Court
Residue quickly builds up under steam, leaving ghostly impressions on the windows.
Steaming through Paddington
Met No.1 at Edgware Road
Met No. 1 from the front
Looking down the platform at Edgware Road
The BTP travelling in style
Another view down the train
Sarah Siddons, there to lend a hand
Met No. 1 at Moorgate
Water tanks at Moorgate
Opening up the tanks
Preparing to take on water
Taking on water
Still taking on water…
A very contented Knight of the Realm
A very busy fireman
See also the magnificent Diamond Geezer HERE for lots more information & other links.
I was getting a bit worried, but tickets for Sunday week arrived yesterday
Moorgate’s on my regular commute and I was wondering what those white tanks were for. All is now explained!
great rolling stock the bluebell railway
Thanks for posting these. One correction: the view captioned “Met No. 1 Pulls into Earls Court for the first time” appears to show Paddington (and to be identical to the later one).
hmmm- looks right to me. Gitch in the matrix maybe? Try fitting ctrl+f5 for me.
I understand that Sarah Siddons has sustained some damage to her roof after a mishap at Lillee Bridge Depot.
I particularly like the coaching stock picture that clearly shows the rounded top corners of the doors to minimise damage if opened away from a platform together with strap controlled windows.
I live in Tasmania, a quiet little backwater across the Bass Strait from Melbourne. Even our local TV managed to mentioned the 150th Anniversary celebrations for the Underground.
Cheers
DW down under
Just in case anyone’s interested, there’s a free lunchtime lecture at UCL on the 15th January at 1315 on the local history of the underground, further details at: http://tinyurl.com/cpe4grr. It is open to the public.
@DW down under.
How’s the weather down there? We’ve had a lot of Tasmania news over here just lately!
well there’s the answer to one of the xmas quiz questions in your photos
Can’t wait for my trip on the 20th.
Don’t worry – Sarah is fine and good to go tomorrow!
Have we got any tips on platforms and times for watching Sundays service? (it was far too expensive for me)
http://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2013/01/07/best-places-to-photograph-london-undergrounds-heritage-steam-train-trips/