The BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust had a long-standing promise to fulfil upon completion of The Duke’s third overhaul in preservation – to let all the Trust members (The Duke Family) ride behind him on a loaded test run.
This was first planned to be in September 2020 according to the an early schedule of the overhaul. Some 5 years later it eventually came into reality on 8th October, 2025. The Impossible Dream Express, as the loaded test run became to be known as was timetabled to depart Platform 12 of Crewe Station at 10:29.
As The Duke waited to the south of Crewe Station complete with Saphos Trains’ rolling stock, it was announced that a train had hit a cow in the Wrexham area and like a pebble thrown into the middle of a still pond the ripples were felt at Crewe. The Duke could not enter the platform until the incident had been cleared. Some 2 hours after the planned departure with Platform 12 slowly emptying it was announced that The Impossible Dream Express would be running imminently.
Having been briefed that we would have to cater for ourselves, imagine our surprise when Stewards disembarked and placed mats on the platforms then welcomed us aboard. There were quality branded cups and saucers sitting on top of linen tablecloths at every very comfortable seat. The carriages had been heated such that there was no condensation on the inside of the windows or are they double glazed? Setting off to The Duke’s chime whistle and gentle exhaust was heaven. And the ride was ever-so smooth.
My party settled down to a hot drink and lunch then activating the speed app because at times we were REALLY moving. Brief spells just over 70 mph were noted and so little steam in The Duke’s exhaust suggesting very short Caprotti valve cutoffs were being used at speed.
Don’t ask me the route we took to Shrewsbury I know Chester and Wrexham were involved but that’s it. We had time to down a lovely pint in the Bulls Head near the station before returning to the platform.
Then The Duke returned on a different platform which confused all the Management Committee & volunteers who were gathered for a group photograph on another platform.
The return journey to Crewe was noteworthy for the amount of tea and coffee on offer and the high viaducts around Wolverhampton.
The spirited run up the West Coast mainline was exciting. This part of the test run was the only section of track without overhanging tree branches which must have caught not only The Duke but the entire length of the train on numerous occasions.
The entire day was brilliant and thanks are due to all involved including those volunteers who spent many hours at Tyseley out in all weathers whose efforts saved the Trust north of £300,000 towards the cost of The Duke’s overhaul.
This report was written by Eric Bond
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