Flying Scotsman to be joined by ‘Harry Potter’ line train on maiden trip through Devon into Cornwall this October
With two weeks to go until Flying Scotsman arrives in Devon on her maiden journey into Cornwall, Stream Dreams has announced that the iconic steam locomotive will now be joined by steam engine Stanier Black Five 44871, which can be regularly seen traversing the famous ‘Harry Potter’ Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland. The locomotive is standing in for B1 Mayflower, which will now not be available due to ongoing restoration work.
Flying Scotsman – the first steam train to break the 100mph barrier – will travel in to Devon for the first time since restoration, on 4 October 2018, departing from Taunton to Plymouth at 16.30, taking in the dramatic water-front stretch along the Exe Estuary, past Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth and the shores of the Teign Estuary, before passing through Newton Abbot, skirting the Southern edge of Dartmoor, and heading to Plymouth. She then travels from Plymouth to Penzance on a sold-out trip, before returning to Plymouth for the additional trip to Par on Saturday 6 October, leaving Plymouth at approximately 1700hrs.
Crossing the famous Brunel-designed Tamar Bridge at Saltash, Flying Scotsman will be double-headed with Stanier Black Five 44871, on a trip that is timed to allow dining passengers to have dinner on the train; passengers in Pullman Style Dining and Premier Dining will be served champagne and canapés followed by an evening meal. Passengers will then return diesel-hauled to Plymouth.
On Monday 8 October Flying Scotsman and Stanier Black Five 44871 will journey north from Plymouth to Exeter (departing at 0900), taking in the dramatic estuary and coastline leg, before boarding new passengers at Exeter (1530) on the final phase of the West Country tour, taking passengers from Exeter to Bristol, who return diesel hauled.
Throughout the trip the locomotives will be tested on the switchback gradients. As the line climbs through Devon and Cornwall, passengers will enjoy the thrill of hearing the world’s most famous locomotive working hard alongside Stanier Black Five 44871.
Marcus Robertson, Founder of Steam Dreams Rail Co commented: “It’s a great shame that Mayflower will no longer be able to accompany Flying Scotsman on its historic journey through Devon in to Cornwall. We are, however delighted to announce that five of our six trips this this October will be double-headed, pairing the world- famous Flying Scotsman with Stanier Black Five, an engine used to cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the iconic Harry Potter films – adding an extra special touch for the autumn”.
David Buck, Chairman of Steam Dreams Rail Co, added: “Mayflower’s restoration work is nearing completion but sadly won’t be finished for these historic trips in October. What we can confirm is that Mayflower, which has never been to Plymouth, will make her maiden journey to the city in 2020 as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the date that her namesake set sail with the Pilgrim Fathers from Plymouth to North America.”
A handful of tickets for these trips are still available in up to four classes, ranging from £69 per person in Premium Standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining at £239 per person. Passengers travelling in Pullman Style Dining will enjoy a champagne brunch on the outward journey and a two course dinner on the return, whilst those opting for Premium Standard will be seated at tables of four in open carriages and served with complimentary tea and coffee at their seats.