On a wet August Wednesday, King Edward II is in steam at Didcot, rostered to shunt backwards and forwards up and down the usual short stretch of track. It’s appearance is much more ‘Regal’ having reverted to the full height chimney, Safety bonnet, and cab. But make the most of your audience with ‘His Majesty’, as it is planned that the engine is to be withdrawn from service mid-way through September, when its current 10 year boiler certificate expires. While I understand the logic from the GWS in not progressing with Mainline certification, I have a enormous disappointment, and a huge sense of anti-climax that we won’t be seeing the thrilling sight of this magnificent locomotive once again pounding up Dainton, Rattery, Hemerdon and Hatton banks once more. At this point, there is no firm date set for its next overhaul, so It will sit ignobly in the shed waiting for its day to come again. But to look on the bright side, With KE1’s return planned for next year, at least we’ll have one of these fabulous engines to enjoy on the main lines of the South West again. Personally, I can’t wait !!!
