60532 Blue Peter rededicated on the ECML, and 46100 Royal Scot up Saunderton bank - 13.07.24

For the first time in 23 years, the sight of a Peppercorn A2 Pacific on the ECML made a comeback, as 60532 Blue Peter returned to her home metals on a private charter from Kings Cross to York.

The locomotive returned from an extensive overhaul earlier this year, with light and loaded test runs taking place on the SVR. Following these tests, alongside a mainline test run and the completion of her BR Express Blue livery, the engine returned to her home ground for a rededication ceremony to take place at London Kings Cross. Following this, the engine would head up the ECML to York, with special guests on board, including LSL chairman, Jeremy Hosking.

Before the Peppercorn action, we head to Saunderton bank to see 46100 Royal Scot taking charge of the Steam Dreams Excursion from Haywards Heath to Oxford, with diesel haulage as far as Willesden. The loco is seen heading up the gradient, having been slowed by a 20mph TSR further down the bank.

Onto Blue Peter now, firstly captured at Langford as the engine paces along the slow lines. The next shot comes from Helpston alongside West Street, as the Pacific accelerates away from Peterborough. Heading further north, we next see the A2 passing Tuxford Level Crossing, before finally ending the day with a fast runpast at Selby, as Blue Peter reaches the final few miles of her journey to York, passing beneath the A19 behind us.

A big thanks to Jack for a lift to all the locations, it was great to finally see the mighty A2 in person!

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