“Some trains are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.” (Malvolio, with apologies). In the last days of steam on the South Eastern main line, one train at least may, in the eyes of many enthusiasts, have achieved some measure of greatness. The 7.24am London Bridge to Ramsgate via Dover originated as empty stock at Holborn Viaduct at 6.56am. This was significant, as railway followers of the time knew well, because Blackfriars Bridge over the Thames could only take a D1 or E1 4-4-0 (or of course a C Class 0-6-0 or smaller engine), but not a ‘Schools’ or Woolwich Mogul.
Many were the enthusiasts who travelled on this train to record its performance, or turned out to photograph its passing at suitable locations such as Elmstead Woods, Polhill or Weald. The 4-4-0 was guaranteed, so there were no
