Steam lovers gathered across Swindon as the summer season kicked off.

Last weekend, 7029 Clun Castle, a built Swindon locomotive flew through its home town on Saturday which commemorated the first public steam excursion to run on UK in the UK between Birmingham and Didcot after British Rail’s infamous ban on steam traction.

And today Jubilee Class 45996 Bahamas coasted through Swindon with the Cotswold Venturer.

It was not going at full speed as it was approaching a red signal on the approach to Swindon station.

Bahamas was built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway in 1934.

It is currently owned by the Bahamas Locomotive Society and returned to the mainline following a lengthy overhaul in 2019.

The locomotive was withdrawn by British Railways in 1966 and was brought for preservation straight from service.

The train which is being by the Railway Touring Company was originally supposed to be hauled A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado, however, the engine is still currently under overhaul.

Bahamas arrived in Swindon some 34 minutes late at 9.34am, but the reason for this was unknown. 

It was due to stop at Swindon East Loop for over 20 minutes, but this planned pathing stop was scrapped by Network Rail.

But despite this, the train did not leave Swindon until 9.46am, some 12 minutes later than planned. 

It arrived at Worcester four mintues late at 11.34am.

Bahamas is due to return to Swindon later today at 6.25pm.

The return leg will see the train leave Worcester for London via Cheltenham, Kemble, before re-joining the GW mainline at Swindon.

Full timings for the special train can be found below.

1Z97: Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington