… AS ‘U’ PREPARES FOR MAIN LINE DEBUT

Another engine that’s planned to be out in the coming weeks – though the date has yet to be set – is Swanage-based ‘U’ 2-6-0 No. 31806. The ‘Mogul’ is expected to take five of its home railway’s green Mk 1 coaches out on the main line for its formal trial, top-and-tailing with Class 33 diesel No. D6515 (33012). I hear, too, that the Maunsell locomotive is being allowed to acquire a bit of a patina at the moment – not quite ‘Guildford 1964’ perhaps, but it should please photographers. The Southern engine’s first booking is on the ‘Great Britain’ on April 26, when it is to pair up with ‘West Country’ No. 34046 Braunton.