DOUBLE ‘BRITS’ DREAM DASHED
Hopes of reuniting both preserved ‘Britannias’ have faded after a final attempt by the North Norfolk Railway and Steam Railway failed.
With No. 70000 Britannia just having returned to operation after three years on the sidelines, and with No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell’s boiler certificate expiring on December 31, a window was identified to potentially bring the ‘7MTs’ to Norfolk in late November.
Although 5305LA, the custodian of ‘Cromwell’, had agreed to make the National Collection ‘Pacific’ available for the suggested event, Crewe‑based No. 70000 could not be similarly released.
Tony Bush of Locomotive Services Ltd (responsible for the operation of Britannia) told Steam Railway: “Having carefully considered the practicalities of the task and taking into account where 70000 currently is, in terms of return to service, I am afraid that we are unable to facilitate her visiting the North Norfolk Railway on the dates requested.
“This plan is tight and after three years away there is significant risk that we will encounter issues. Britannia is renowned for refusing to comply with instructions!”
It means that even though the ‘Brits’ have both been simultaneously in ticket for nominally seven years, they have only ever met in steam behind closed doors; on both occasions at Southall depot in West London.
The NNR had wanted to pair the ‘Pacifics’ at its re‑scheduled steam gala on October 12‑14, but that became moot when a diary clash enforced the withdrawal of No. 70013 (SR484).
●● ‘Cromwell’ will appear at its home Great Central Railway’s ‘Last Hurrah’ gala on November 17/18.
●● For more on Britannia’s return to action, see Down Main.