Believed to have been the first locomotive to have achieved 100mph, the famous Great Western locomotive City of Truro visited the Bluebell Railway between the 30th September and 22nd October 2006, courtesy of the National Railway Museum, York.
A series of special weekends, and other events, were organised to mark the visit, including the Annual Giants of Steam extravaganza, at which it was the star guest. A report of the event is available here.
The photo on the right shows City of Truro departing from Horsted Keynes station on 15th October 2006 (John Goss).
The visit enabled us to pair the two surviving GWR out-side frame 4-4-0s, and their first ever double-headed run together on a preserved line took place at Giants of Steam.
Photos above:
City of Truro attacks the climb out of Sheffield Park with the "City Limited" Pullman on 13th October 2006. © copyright Jon Bowers
Earl of Berkeley is the other preserved GWR 4-4-0, and is seen here at Giants of steam, double-heading with City of Truro. © copyright Matt Allen
Photo right: City of Truro returns to Sheffield Park with the "City Limited" on 13th October 2006. © copyright Tony Pearce
City of Truro was in steam at the Bluebell on the following dates:
Sat 30 September
Sun 1, Fri 6, Fri 13, Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21 & Sun 22 October.
Note: We apologise that due to a crack in the steam brake cylinder of City of Truro, it was not in operation over the weekend of 7 & 8 October.
Thanks to the loan of a cylinder from another loco, and a great effort by our workshop staff in overhauling, testing and fitting the replacement, City of Truro was back in action in time for its booked 13th October "City Limited" Pullman train.
The photo, left, from Nick Beck, was taken at this event.
Traditional breakfast or Afternoon tea were on offer, and tickets sold very well.
The photo on the right shows the City Limited train running on 13th October 2006 (John Goss).
Last updated by Richard Salmon, 27 October 2006