'The Welsh Marches Express' with 47712, 20132 & 20118 - Pontypool - 24/06/26

Описание: Severe heatwaves soaring across the United Kingdom this week has forced 'The Welsh Marches Express' steam charter to be diesel-hauled after originally planned steam locomotive, A4 Pacific 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' was withdrawn due to the intense heat and risk of lineside fires.

ScotRail 47712 'Lady Dianne Spencer' is seen leading the return leg of 'The Welsh Marches Express' from Shrewsbury to Paignton, with two Railfreight Class 20s, 20132 & 20118, seen tagging along on the back of the charter, filling in as a replacement for the failed Class 57 that was originally on the train earlier in the day, due to overheating on the outward journey and had to be dragged by a Class 47 as a result.

Combined with passenger trains being cancelled caused by the heatwaves, this week alone hasn't been too particularly kind to the railway network, let alone the Welsh Marches mainline itself.

Filmed by Thomas Coombes on Wednesday 24th June, 2026