Disaster Not Included! - The 'Sunset Steam Express' Of 2023.

The complete 2023 season's runs through Surrey of the 'Sunset Steam Express', a summer evening circular tour from London Victoria. The penultimate working (22 August) saw a catastrophic failure of the motion of BR 7MT pacific 70000 'Britannia' at Chilworth about ten minutes after my shot of it at Worplesdon, thus the final run was with Thompson B1 61306 'Mayflower', which also took a very unusual route down the main line from Wimbledon to Woking, concluding the season in dismal weather! Choose 4k quality.

[@jamesburnside3023]

Fantastic video liked and subbed

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Why does it have a diesel loco on the rear, is just insurance in case of a breakdown ?
Nice footage 👍🏻

[@iandocwra1169]

It's because it is hauled by the diesel to Kensington Olympia where the train reverses to have the steam at the front. The diesel is also there to provide on-board 'hotel' power for air-con, catering, etc., where needed. The diesel also takes the train out of Victoria again at the end. As was proved on 22 August, the diesel also helps with breakdowns, very rare though they are! Not all UK steam workings have a diesel at the rear, but when shunting at the destination is required, they do.

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

@iandocwra1169 Thank you for the answer, very comprehensive. 👍🏻

[@iandocwra1169]

Also worth adding that the diesel will assist if absolutely necessary, but usually runs either idling or with just enough power applied to take its own weight.@@El-Tel63-Terry.