Created 25-Oct-25
14 photos
The Varsity Explorer on Saturday 25th October 2025 was a Railway Touring Company excursion from Slough to Chester and return. For many the main interest might have been to travel along the recently refurbished line between Oxford and Milton Keynes but for me it was the first opportunity to photograph the recently restored Bullied West Country 34028 Eddystone on the main-line: albeit in modified form. Steam haulage was unfortunately one way only, but that worked for me as I have a very busy week ahead. In a very short time just north of Atherstone I saw an unusual freight, a classic modern passenger train and then, the climax, a steam hauled excursion that looked the most stunning of all. See what you think - everyone can win, it’s down to personal preference.
© DAVID ARMITAGE