The Best of British Steam | 2024

It’s that time of the year again, the end of it, to be more specific, where we take a look back at some of the best moments of travelling round the UK filming steam locomotives on the mainline and heritage circuit, and this year has been a packed one!
This year has seen me travel much further afield than I normally do, visiting some new locations along the way, such as Shap Summit, Carlisle, The Epping Ongar, East Lancashire & Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railways to name a few. As with each year we’ve seen certain locomotives return and others bow out, with 60532 Blue Peter, 35028 Clan Line & 60163 Tornado returning from overhauls, with the addition of a new build locomotive in the form of 32424 Beachy Head turning its wheels for the first time on the Bluebell Railway. Alas though it would be the last year to see 45690 Leander and 46100 Royal Scot, with the boiler tickets expiring. Traction has been less varied than previous years, partly down to the current ongoing situation with WCRC and their Mark 1 stock not having CDL fitted, limiting them to using air braked Mark 2 stock, requiring air braked locomotives.
Nonetheless, the year like every other has seen its highlights, including 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe taking on Shap unassisted, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returning to her home turf with a powerful display of speed, 35028 Clan Line flattening the climb of Upton Scudamore with the heavy pullmans, 70000 Britannia running regularly in the south throughout the year with some excellent performances, 7029 Clun Castle running non-stop along the GWML to Paddington, along with the usual galas taking place on heritage railways, such as Legends of Steam at the ELR and the K&ESR celebrating 50 years of preservation.
So, featuring 100 clips and over 90 minutes of footage, here is some highlights of preserved steam at its best over the past 12 months, at various parts of the country, north and south! As always, a big thank you to everyone who’s watched my footage over the past year, and to everyone involved behind the scenes that makes these events possible. Best wishes for 2025!
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[@DavidParker-n8m]

Hi Tomas, Great video,I don't get out now ,my damaged knee.....Dave, locomotive67

[@Trainsandbits]

28:17 he was a bit mean ☹️! Sir Nigel wasn’t that close so it wouldn’t have caused harm to anyone! But Great shots! & a Happy New year 🤩!!!

[@joelightrailway2362]

Wow, what a year of rail action. Can’t wait for next month to visit railways with multiple gala events. Excellent video and happy new year 🥳

[@themodster]

Thanks Joe. You too

[@SONICX1027]

British Steam in modern times feels so right. They really fit right in

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

An absolutely stunning production showcasing the very best. I've watched it all whilst recovering from medical procedure.

[@themodster]

Thanks! Glad it's helped out

[@7892hvsu2]

53:24 OMG that was the best thing I have ever seen!!!!

[@callumthornelow2936]

Excellent footage Thomas. I know WCRC get a lot of flack, but credit where it's due they pulled out all stops to ensure things kept running.
Clan Line & Blue Peter returning to the mainline are my 2024 highlights, looking forward to 2025. 😊

[@themodster]

Thanks Callum

[@SimonTog]

Good video Thomas, very great collection :)

[@themodster]

Thanks Simon