34046 Braunton heads along rare rails hauling 'The Golden Arrow' - 26.03.25

Kickstarting another season of Saphos Trains ‘Golden Arrow’ excursions to Canterbury West, 34046 Braunton would be at the head of the first excursion of the year, which on this occasion would see some rarely used track for steam.

These excursions are a regular one throughout the year, starting at a variety of locations (in this case, Peterborough) under diesel haulage to Willesden, where the steam locomotive, based at Southall, would attach for the run to Canterbury West and back, travelling via Brixton, Bromley & Lenham, before returning via Martin Mill and Tonbridge. However, this run would see the rare sight of steam returning to the capital via Chislehurst, before heading towards Nunhead at Lewisham.

Before that though, we begin at Ravensbourne on the outward trip. With a clear run up the grade to Shortlands, Braunton puts on an excellent soundtrack as she passes through towards Bromley, with plenty of whistling. Onto the return journey and the main highlight now, where we headed to Elmstead Woods. Having switched to the slows at Chislehurst, Braunton is captured powering her train back up to speed as she approaches Elmstead Tunnel, making for a grand sight on this rare occasion. Finally, travelling round the houses back to Willesden, Braunton is seen back on more familiar ground, though rarely passing through Platform 1 instead of the usual Platform 2, at Wandsworth Town, as she heads away from Clapham Junction.

•Facebook:   / themodsterrailwayvideos