In the skilled hands of Driver, Mike Lawes and Fireman Chris Hopcroft both of Newport, the King lifted the twelve coaches of 467 tons on its way. Mr. P. Singh was our Guard. We were travelling right-hand road until the train crossed over at the points just beyond the station. There was a 5 mph. As the train gained momentum we could guess at the spectacle we were creating for the thousands of spectators that thronged the banks of the river Severn and the bridge of classic lines, that has itself now been preserved as a monument to its designer and builder, the legendary Telford.
Traffic rushes by over a new bridge of so little character that few realise there is a bridge there.
All along the roadside as it followed the track, vast crowds stood and watched our passing. Because of the speed restrictions we were not in for a fast run. The sound of brake application could be heard time and time again at most over bridges. The King does not have a cut down cab, so there was not much room at times. As the permanent way had been worked on there was no wish for there to be a repeat of the King knocking its 'bonnet' off, as on a previous occasion when approaching Paddington.