6000 and The Return To Steam - 40 years ago

After another of those "who'd have thought it moments", I realised that it's very nearly 40 years since 6000 King George V lead the return of steam locomotives to the British mainline network. A quick check on the Internet gives this list of significant dates:

15th September 1971
Secret trial run to Newport

2nd October 1971
'Return to Stream' special Hereford to Tyseley via Newport, Severn Tunnel and Didcot

4th October 1971
'Return to Steam' special Birmingham Moor Street to Kensington Olympia

7th October 1971
'Return to Steam' special London to Hereford

There are a few details of the original tour on Six Bells Junction. It's a bit before my time (was at primary school in 71), but I'm sure there are some on here with clear memories of it, and possibly some good photos.

Given that 2nd October is a Sunday this year, I wonder if anyone is planning a train to mark the occasion? If so, what? 6024 King Edward I would be a suitable locomotive and Vintage Trains would appear to be the obvious operator, especially given that Tyseley was the original destination. How about something like this?

Tyseley - Malvern - Hereford: DL hauled, picking up passengers along the way
6024: Hereford - Newport - Severn Tunnel - Oxford - Tyseley.
Tyseley - Malvern - Hereford: DL hauled, setting down passengers (returning ECS).

There seem to be many more photos on the Web of the second trip, from Moor Street to Kensington Olympia, via High Wycombe, on 4th Oct. Adrian Shooter and his team at Chiltern Railways like an excuse for the occasional steam tour on their line. I wonder if they'd like to recreate the second trip, especially if their latest line upgrades are finished by then (another achievement to celebrate). The return could be steam hauled, too, these days.

The third trip, London to Hereford and back, might be more Steam Dreams' cup of tea, but given the problems getting paths through Reading, and the lack of a triangle at Hereford these days (IIRC), this might be a non-starter.

 

I went out for the October 4th run near Princes Risborough. The result was a rubbish shot and a rubbish sound recording. :frown:

 

With regard to this ground-breaking milestone, it was saddening to read that Peter Prior had recently passed away. As the top man at Bulmers at the time, he was the driving force behind 6000's return to the main line.

 

6024 and Tyseley in the same sentance... Can't see it happening myself, at least not after the recent situation between the 6024 PresSoc and one of the employees at TLW!

Why not get one of the Castle's to do it, or 6023 if it'll be ready by then?

 

On the 6024 website railtours page there is an item " Sun 01-Oct-11: (provisional, to be announced) "

 

I am sure those involved are more professional than you give them credit for. Ff celebrating the event is foremost in their determination, then I am sure it will happen...

 

Could use Torbay express's stock ?

 

First couple of pictures here are interesting.
http://www.mdrs.org.uk/steamspecials.htm

 

I met Peter Prior in the early 1970's. He was a splendid, inspirational man. He told me his version of how steam had been let back on to BR: A short film had been made about the restoration of 6000, and it was shown as the B feature at the royal premier of the film "Battle of Britain". After the show, in the Queen's presence, he said to the boss of BR, "will you let me run 6000 on BR?" and the BR man was too embarrasssed to refuse in front of the Queen.

 

Let's hope that at least one of the tour operators has realised the significance of the date and is planning to mark it in a suitable manner. Especially after the recent passing of Peter Prior.
As it was 6000 that led the return of steam I guess it would only be fitting for a GWR engine to head the tour. But how about A tour from Birmingham via Hereford starting with a GWR Castle or King and then utilising as many different types of mainline registered engines as possible to show just how far we have come since that day in 1971.
I leave you to work out the itinerary.

 

The costs of such a tour would be fantastic, unless locomotive owners gave the day for free.. but still. I think we already have such a tour every year "The Great Britain".
in my opinion, much as 1T57 has to be a Brit and 3 Black Fives (ok 2 and an 8F would pass).. this one needs to be a single king... 1T57 in 1993 with a Duchess, a Jubilee + 44871 wasnt the same.

But if Tyseley wanted to do their own commeration run on one of the 1971 routes, using their Castle as well as the runs with the King.. well why not

 

I purchased 4 tickets for my wife, myself and 2 children for access to the Oxford Station Platform the day that KGV returned from Kensington Olympia. The first of those tickets was serial number 6000, which I still retain. I recall the Fire Engine filling the Tender. I don't think anyone knew the extent to which the Preservation Groups would rise based on the encouragement of KGV being "released" on to the BR Network.

 

I'm writing a book called 'The life and times of King George V, Locomotive 6000 that is, or the big Green un'. I've been trying to research this incident for some time and would love to know more.
Mike