Locomotive treat for Shropshire steam buffs
Train buffs will be in for a treat when a famous steam engine comes through the Shropshire/Welsh border tomorrow.
The Oliver Cromwell steam train, one of the four locomotives which worked the last steam railtour of British Railways, will be coming through Shrewsbury, Gobowen and Chirk on its way to Chester.
The train, a British Railways standard class 7 preserved steam locomotive, is taking shoppers from Bristol to Chester for a shopping day out.
It will pass through Shrewsbury and Gobowen and will then take on water at Chirk.
It is expected at Shrewsbury at 11.38am, and then Gobowen at 12.03pm and at Chirk at 12.09pm.
Oliver Cromwell is part of the National Railway Museum's National Collection.
In 2004, it was announced it would be restored to main-line standard in preparation for the 40th anniversary of the end of steam, with significant financial help from the readers of Steam Railway magazine.
The locomotive was overhauled at the Great Central Railway with a view to hauling trains both on the Great Central and specials on the main line.
It made an appearance at the National Railway Museum's 1968 and All That event celebrating 40 years since the end of steam.
Tomorrow's journey has been organised by the Railway Touring Company which arranges day out on vintage trains.
