When you can see historic steam locomotive Bahamas pass through Reading and Slough this summer – Berkshire Live

A historic steam locomotive is set to pass through parts of Berkshire this summer.

If you're a keen trainspotter then you won't want to miss this as the 45596 Bahamas is set for heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company to pass through both Reading, Newbury and Slough.

It comes following the news that the Flying Scotsman will also be gracing our county later this month.

The Bahamas, which was built in 1935, is part of a busy summer of steam, following the easing of Covid restrictions.

On Saturday, July 24 Bahamas will be at the head of the West Somerset Steam Express as it departs London Paddington, picking up at Slough, Reading and Newbury, on route for the Bristol channel resort of Minehead.

Signing up to the BerkshireLive newsletter means you'll receive our daily news email.

It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply press here, enter your email address and follow the instructions.

You can also enter your address at the top of this page in the box below the picture on most desktop and mobile platforms.

Changed your mind? There's an 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of every newsletter we send out.

Then on Sunday, August 1, the Bahamas will haul The Royal Duchy special train from Slough and Reading, at Taunton.

It will then stop at Exeter as it heads into Cornwall where passengers can visit local areas there.

Other trips are planned through Kent and Surrey

The historic locomotive was built more than 85 years ago for London Midland & Scottish Railways and following extensive restoration returned to mainline running in 2019, according to The Railway Touring Company.

The days out will be the Bahamas' first departure from the capital in decades.

We are very excited to have secured these dates with Bahamas, said The Railway Touring Companys MD Kelly Osborne.

We look forward to working with the Bahamas crew to provide some great days out recreating the golden age of rail travel.

Passengers will travel on vintage rail coaches and can enjoy a dining service with full English breakfast and a four-course dinner on board as they watch the scenery go by.

Alternatively, travellers can opt for first class service with morning coffee, bacon roll and pastry with a savoury dish on the return or bring along their own picnic.

Demand for a journey is already high following the Covid restrictions.

Kelly Osborne added: Already a number of our steam excursions for this summer are full. After a very tough 15 months for the heritage rail industry, its tremendous to see such enthusiasm and support from people.

More information about the steam locomotive and planned journeys can be found here.

Continue reading here:

When you can see historic steam locomotive Bahamas pass through Reading and Slough this summer - Berkshire Live