HOME ENGINES TRAVEL FAREWELL TO BITTERN After eight years, we bid a fond farewell to an iconic, record breaking steam locomotive. As we say goodbye - for now - let's take a look back at some of the moments that have made these last eight years with Bittern so special. RETURN TO STEAM Bittern arrived at the Watercress Line in the early 2000's, but it was not until 2007 that she made her return to steam on the 10 mile line in Hampshire. She made her debut appearance at an event commemorating 40 years from the End of Southern Steam. Photos from www.watercressline.co.uk Photographers Dave Warwick, Tony Wood, Robin Hughes and Henry O'Dwyer. Bittern hauls her first train. Shot by Dave Warwick. MAINLINE DEBUT Bittern returned to the main line on December 1st 2007, hauling an inaugral train from London King's Cross to York. Over the coming years she was to travel the length and breadth of the nation, working as far south as Cornwall and across the border to Scotland, entertaining many thousands of passengers and onlookers in the process. Photographers Brian Robert Marshall, Steel city ady, Foto43, Evelyn Simak and Clive Warneford. Bittern back on the main line. Shot by Bob Green. DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND Following the turn of the decade Bittern was transformed into her classmade No. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand. This saw her wear a full L.N.E.R livery for the first time in preservation, with Garter Blue proving a firm favourite with enthusiasts and the public alike. Photographers Geof Sheppard, Martin Wood, cooldudeandy01 and Hec Tate. Bittern masquerades as No. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand. Shot by Phil Sangwell. EAST COAST STREAK Bittern became herself once again in 2012, regaining her name but this time wearing her L.N.E.R. No. 4464. She would continue to operate on the main line to the delight of passengers, gracefully and effortlessly speeding across the country with her new, glittering gold lining. This was however just the beginning, Bittern had records to set. Photographers Russell Newman, Thomas Woolley, Peter Hobson, Lukas Tomiczek and Christopher Jones. Bittern hauling the Christmas White Rose. Shot by Ashley Hill. RECORD BREAKER In 2013 Bittern entered the record books, becoming the first steam locomotive since the 1960's to run at speads greater than 75mph. She set an official speed record of just over 92mph on one of three specially arranged trains - two of which were sadly postponed on two occasions! - from London to York, York to Newcastle and finally, just prior to Christmas a return journey to from London to York. Photographers Geoff Griffiths and Andrew Southwell. Bittern hauls her final 90mph train. Shot by Bob Green. THE GREAT GATHERING In 2013 Bittern was part of a spectacular event that saw all six surviving members of the Gresley A4 class reunited. Dominion of Canada and Dwight D. Eisenhower were specially returned from North America to join with Mallard from the National Railway Museum and the three main line certified locomotives at three special gatherings in 2013 and early 2014. Photographers Geoff Griffiths, Andrew Southwell, Duncan Langtree and Rob Reedman. Bittern at the Great Gathering with the five other A4's. Shot by Duncan Langtree. THE FINAL YEAR At the end of 2014 Bittern's main line boiler certificate expired. Happily was able to spend an additional year at the Watercress Line in Hampshire, once again delighting the public on a more sedate 25mph railway, starring at steam galas and at Day Out With Thomas™ events. By quirk of fate her final appearance was to be at the Bluebell Railway, where she will retire on November 1st 2015. She will now move to LNWR Heritage in Crewe in readiness for an heavy overhaul that will see her return to steam in the coming years. Photographers Dave Mundy, Alex Fisher, Trevor Hammond, Daniel Gosling. Bittern hauling one of her final trains at the Bluebell Railway. Shot by Rob Barton. We would like to extend our most grateful thanks all of the hundreds of people and numerous organisations who have helped to overhaul, maintain and operate Bittern over the past eight years. To all, to each, thank you. Bittern will return to steam. OUR ENGINES Royal Scot Britannia Braunton Lord Dowding The Sherwood Forester Blue Peter Bittern King Edward I Nunney Castle 4270 92212 Raveningham Hall Port Line Holland America Line EXPLORE RAILWAYS Journey By Steam Our Locomotives 532interactive The Britannia Story History of Royal Scot Farewell to Bittern Football Special ABOUT US About Us Royal Scot Trust Get Involved Vacancies Contact Us Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube ICONS OF STEAM Copyright © 2012 - 2018 Locomotive Services Ltd. All rights reserved. Privacy Site Map Staff Login Legal Contact Us