My Top 5 Steam Locos
I love all the steam locos that I have seen on both mainline and heritage railways. Like many, I have my favourites.
I saw my first steam loco back in the early 1980’s. It was nice to see but at that time I was more of a diesel train spotter.
Today it is the other way around, not being a train spotter since the early 1990’s I prefer to see and photograph steam trains!
Nowadays we can see and hear steam locos all over the country, mainly on the heritage railways.
On my two local heritage railways, the South Devon Railway and the Dartmouth Steam Railway I very often have a ride behind the locos that I like on their line. But I have never been on a steam tour on the mainline. One day I hope to get the chance to do that.
I am sure that some of you reading this would remember seeing steam trains on the mainline back in the early days before it all changed. In a way I wish I was around then, it must have been amazing.
The list below is not in any particular order, they are all my favourite steam locos.
My Top 5 Steam Locos
1. LNER Class A4 No: 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’
Although I just said ‘The list below is not in any particular order’, I need to say that this is my number one favourite steam loco. I just love the shape of the Class A4 locos. They are totally different to all other steam locos which make them stand out.
Photo Details:
LNER Class A4 No: 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ is seen on the South Devon Railway in September 2015
2. LNER Peppercorn Class A1 No: 60163 ‘Tornado’
Yes, I know that this is a modern loco, but I just like the look of it. Out of grey, green and blue I thought it looked smart in the blue colour but green looks better.
3. GWR 0-6-0PT No. 1369
I have seen this loco in a few different colours on the South Devon Railway. Different greens and in black. For me I prefer the latest colour green, seen in this photograph.
4. GWR 0-6-0 No: 3205
This is another loco that I am very keen of from the South Devon Railway. Sadly, it has been out of action since the Spring of 2017 due to needing a major boiler rebuild and new cylinder block.
Photo Details:
LMS Princess Coronation Class No: 6233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ with 47813 on the rear is seen passing through Totnes working the 1Z37 16.05 Par to Bristol Temple Meads ‘The Royal Duchy’ tour on the 21st August 2022
5. GWR 4-6-0 No: 7827 ‘Lydham Manor’
7827 ‘Lydham Manor’ has been on the Dartmouth Steam Railway since the 1970’s. Back in the early 1980’s I am pretty sure that this was the first steam loco I saw. Today it is still a popular loco that I like to see and photograph.
Conclusion
Who knows, in five years’ time I may have a different list!
Take a look at My Top 5 Diesel Trains.
Do you like my list of my top five steam locos or not? I would like to know what your favourites are.