You can enlarge these thumbnail pictures by clicking on them and shrink them again by clicking the Back button on your browser.

On Saturday 17th March six intrepid members of the Lapworth Local History Group spent a very enjoyable day on a tour organised by Vintage Trains Limited, based at Tyseley, and called The King Circular. This was a steam hauled Pullman train featuring the Collett designed King Class 4-6-0 steam locomotive No 6024 King Edward l". The train travelled from Solihull via Dorridge to Didcot Parkway.
King Edward l No 6024 approaching Dorridge station.

King Edward l No 6024 on the turntable at Didcot railway Museum.		 Then on via Swindon and Stroud to Gloucester. The final leg of the journey via Worcester, Kidderminster, Smethwick and Moor Street, terminating at Tyseley. We had a full English breakfast served on the first part of the journey down to the Didcot railway museum, where we spent a very enjoyable 2 hours touring all the exhibits whilst our engine was fed & watered. I am pleased to say that excessive "Health & Safety" have not yet found Didcot Railway Museum so one is allowed to wander amongst the numerous steam locomotive that are in various stages of restoration, including 6024 sister engine King Edward ll (6023) which has almost finished its restoration.
The locomotive performed brilliantly, exceeding 80 m.p.h. on several occasions (including down Hatton Bank). The only slight blip was an unscheduled stop at Swindon whilst a hot box (overheated wheel bearing) on the tender was attended to. This did allow the magnificent 3 course lunch to be served whilst we were stationary in Swindon station, so it had its upside! After some further spirited performing between Swindon and Gloucester and still more on through Worcester and up Old Hill Bank in the Black Country we were all safely returned to Moor Street Station around 7.00 p.m. A good day was had by all.
The business end of 6024 also at Didcot Railway Museum.