Saturday 10th May 2003 was the
first day of the 'Railway at War' weekend, and an intensive train
service was in operation, with Nos. 96, 672, 55,
65, 73082, 80151
and 21C123 all being in steam. However the various 1940's cameo
scenes stole the show in my opinion, and thus this page is rather
biased towards them.
The USA tank, repainted into its wartime livery, was on display
in the Sheffield Park car park, along with a selection of Military
Vehicles and displays.
Refreshments were provided outside a sand-bagged
Sheffield Park station.
LBSCR Terrier No.55 'Stepney' carried 'Brighton Works' lettering.
Winston Churchill and guards arrived behind the O1 on the 10.45
from Horsted Keynes to take delivery of t
he USA tank from the American
Commander.
There were many more displays at Horsted Keynes, including the Girls
Land Army and
more military vehicles. No.80151 can also be glimpsed
in the background at the head of a lengthy goods train.
During a light shower in the afternoon, No.80151 passes a clump of bluebells at Tremains while working a freight towards Sheffield Park.
All in all, a wonderful portrayal of the days when the railway was
the 'lifeline of the country'.
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