We have a new steam train visitor this Sunday, a train called The Easterling hauled by LNER B1 class 4-6-0 No. 61306 “Mayflower” which we don’t think we’ve seen at Milton level crossing before. The train will be composed of ten Mk1/2 carriages with a Class 47 diesel on the back.

“Mayflower” as preserved, photo by Thryduulf

According to the timings on UKsteam Info the train departs Cambridge at 10:55 as planned but it is taking on water at Coldhams Lane Junction (this is quite common for steam excursions). It’s due to leave there at 11:12 so that means it won’t get to the Fen Road level crossing until about 11:15. It returns to Cambridge via another route so we won’t see it again in the evening.

The forecast for Sunday is currently dry if overcast so it should be a good opportunity to get some photos. While we’re on the subject of trains and photos the Flickr group Milton Level Crossing which we mentioned before now has 22 photos by 5 different photographers at the time of writing featuring a variety of trains crossing the level crossing over the years, including some photographs of the recent diversions from the the East Coast Main Line.

And if you can’t make this Sunday we should also be getting another Cathedrals Express on Saturday, 21st March, again hauled by “MayFlower”, from the Bluebell Railway to Cambridge and Ely. More details of that when we get them.

Thanks as usual to Martin for the heads up on all of the above.