Where & When

Mainline Running

The Trust has a 10 year agreement with Locomotive Services Limited to operate The Duke on 12 mainline charters per annum. This will ensure that The Duke will travel across most parts of the national rail network providing ample opportunities to not only ride behind an impressive steam locomotive but also to be viewed by members of the public.
 
 

We will regularly maintain and update this page making it the go-to place for The Duke running information. 

 Visits to Heritage Railways

Another great way for the Trust to fulfil its Aims & Objectives is by visiting network-linked heritage railways either by taking a charter to such a railway or visiting for galas or longer periods of time. Such visits allow many more members of the public the opportunity to get close to The Duke and to observe him in operation at slow speed and for lengthy periods of time. These visits will happen from time to time and again will be listed here so that you can plan where you want to see the Trust’s prized asset.

The attendance of The Duke at Bluebell Railway’s Giants of Steam, 2026 was announced on Christmas Eve.

Light Engine Moves

To fulfil charter work locomotives have on occasion to undertake positioning  moves. To be ready for the charters listed below The Duke along with the Trust’s Support Coach left Crewe on Monday, 1 December 2025 and travelled to Southall ready for his first Bath Christmas Market charter for Saphos Trains.

Day & Date Move
Fri, 10 April 2026 Southall to Severn Valley Railway for Gala
16 to 19 April 2026 Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala
Tues, 21 April 2026 Severn Valley Railway to Crewe
Fri, 15 May 2026 Crewe to Southall
Fri, 28 August 2026 Southall to Gloucester
Sun, 30 August 2026 Gloucester to West Somerset Railway
Fri, 26 September 2026 WSR to Southall

Forthcoming Charters

 

The Duke will haul the charters below subject to availability.

Day & Date Charter Name Picking Up At
Wed, 20 May 2026 Golden Arrow
Wed, 30 September 2026 Golden Arrow

There are no Saphos Trains charters planned at present

Steam Dreams Rail Company

  • Reservations. +44 (0) 1483 209 888
  • Email. info@SteamDreams.co.uk
  • Website www.SteamDreams.co.uk

 

The Duke will haul the charters below subject to availability.

Day & Date Charter Name Picking Up At
Sat, 16 May 2026 Ashford International to Bath
Sat, 13 Jun 2026 Haywards Heath to Cambridge and Ely Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, Redhill, East Croydon
Thurs, 16 Jul 2026 The Spirit of Summer Lunch London Paddington
Thurs, 16 Jul 2026 The Sunset Steam Express London Paddington
Tues - Fri, 22 Sept 2026 (4 days) The Cornish Riviera 2026 London Paddington
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