Three days before its failure, No. 70000 is pictured approaching Swanley, Kent, with Steam Dreams ‘Garden of England Lunchtime Tour’from Victoria to Dover and back on August 22. NATHAN GIBSON
ON the evening of August 25, BR‘7MT’No. 70000 Britannia suffered a mechanical fault in the Surrey Hills at about 20.30 while operating Steam Dreams’ ‘Sunset Steam Express’circular tour from London Victoria. It is understood the 4-6-2 suffered a broken crosshead.
Class 47 No. 47712, which was attached to the rear, moved the train to Guildford after No. 70000 had been made safe for towing.
During and following the incident, passengers were quick to praise online the customer service received from the staff. LSL owner Jeremy Hosking, who was onboard, reportedly walked through the train, stopping at each table to talk to passengers. The train eventually arrived back at Victoria 278 minutes late.