Excitement is beginning to grow as we approach October and the visit of Flying Scotsman & Mayflower to arguably the most iconic stretch of railway on the UK network. Here are a few points to help you enjoy this historical event to the full.
At present, Steam Dreams are advertising that the tour will depart from Taunton at 4.30pm on Thursday 4th October. Providing that remains the case then we can expect to see the locomotives anytime between 5 – 5.30 pm. We anticipate that there will be very large crowds along the sea wall and especially at the favourite photo spots around the Dawlish Warren curve, Langstone Rock, All three footbridges, Kings Walk between the station and Kennaway Tunnel, Boat Cove including the breakwater and Lea Mount.
Whatever the temptation, we remind all those attending on the day to stay off of the railway. This includes sitting on the wall with your legs dangling trackside. The Police will be in attendance to ensure every ones safety. The last thing we need is a repeat of Flying Scotsman’s appeal causing people to walk up the live tracks as happened in other parts of the Country.
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If you can’t make it on the day then watch live with us. As well as our static cameras at San Remo and the Blenheim we will be out with another 3 or 4 cameras to catch all of the action for our full report. We will endeavour to broadcast live on our website, on our Facebook page and YouTube channel. Ensure you follow our pages or you may miss the notifications when we do Live broadcasts.
“Whistler”, Devon Sea Safari’s RIB
As a special occasion like this is rare, we have also hired “Whistler”,Devon Sea Safari’s high speed RIB. We intend to follow the train along the entire length of the sea wall to get some unique footage. Provided weather and sea conditions permit, we will attempt to use some of this material within our live broadcast! If you would like to join us for the journey then please read below for details.
Join us for a unique opportunity to view Flying Scotsman & Mayflower along the entire sea wall – 4th October
We are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to view Flying Scotsman & Mayflower working the full length of the wall (weather permitting).
Leaving the Fish Quay in Teignmouth around 4pm, we will take an hours trip out into Lyme bay for a look at the local sealife that exists. These tours are already very popular with many species often spotted from Birds to Seals, Sharks and the favourite Dolphins. Clearly we can’t guarantee what will be on view but that’s part of the fun.
We will then make our way towards Dawlish and wait for the appearance of Flying Scotsman & Mayflower coming around the curve at Dawlish Warren. The high speed RIB will then shadow the train along the wall to Teignmouth giving a unique chance for videos and photographs as well as the rare chance to see the train for an extended period. Be aware that the boat will have to be at a safe distance from shore due to hidden rocks and obstructions. Safety is paramount, especially at speed.
The boat will then return to the Fish Quay in Teignmouth around 5.30pm.
Times are approximate at present and will be confirmed when the train times are confirmed.
Tickets are limited to 10 due to boat size. Don’t hesitate!
Cost is £99 per ticket which is fully refundable if the trip is cancelled due to poor weather or sea conditions.
We can not accept responsibility for your equipment, This will be a very fast and potentially wet experience and it will be up to you to ensure equipment is secured and protected. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
For those wanting to travel on the train itself, Steam Dreams have added an additional leg to the tour on Saturday 6th October from Plymouth to Par.
There are still spaces left in all classes on the afternoon trip. Fares range from £69 per adult in Premium Standard where passengers are seated at tables of four, with crisp white tablecloths and complimentary tea and coffee at their seats, up to Pullman Style Dining at £199 per adult. In Pullman, passengers are seated in original Metcam Pullman carriages or refurbished First Class carriages with wood panelling, comfortable seats, table lamps and curtains at the window and will be served of champagne and canapes before being served an evening meal.
Tickets can be booked using this link: https://www.steamdreams.co.uk/tours.php?tourid=72103
Flying Scotsman set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) on 30 November 1934, and then setting a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679 km) on 8 August 1989 while in Australia.
Mayflower was built in 1948 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow but was delivered post-nationalisation and acquired the number 61306 by British Railways. She was first allocated to Hull Botanic Gardens Depot followed by a spell at Hull Dairycotes Depot before being finally transferred to Low Moor Depot, Bradford. She was the last B1 in service, her final trip was hauling the ‘Yorkshire Pullman’ from Leeds in September 1967.
The Locomotives will again pass the camera’s on Monday 8th October. The Tour is due to leave Plymouth at 9.00 am and head along the sea wall to Exeter St Davids. Flying Scotsman & Mayflower will then be replaced by Diesel power for another trip to Plymouth and back. At 3.30 pm Flying Scotsman & Mayflower will again lead the train as it departs for Bristol.
