The steam engine making the trip today is the Braunton 34046, a West Country express passenger engine first built in 1946.
The trip run by train experiences company: Steam Dreams, is on a trip through London before heading through south London and into the Kent countryside with its destination at Canterbury West station.
It was spotted at West Norwood station in south London this morning at around 11:16am as it made its way through Norwood before heading onwards towards Crystal Palace.
Greg Allen who turned up to see the historical steam engine in action described the experience as “magical.”
Greg said: “It was so exciting to see it when the steam started to come to sight, you don’t see that sort of thing every day.
“It was so magical and so nostalgic, the driver leant out and waved to my son and honked the horn.”
It was later spotted by train enthusiast and photographer Stephen Sangster who waited this morning at Petts Wood station in south London with sons Jack, 1 and Rowan, 5, for a chance to spot the train.
Stephen described the sight as “majestic” and added that both his young sons were “enamoured” by the spectacle.
Stephen said: “Witnessing the Golden Arrow’s majestic steam train, cocooned in its ethereal swirls of steam and smoke, felt like a poetic journey through time.
“Alongside my little enthusiasts, Jack and Rowan, both enamoured by trains and the magic of this Christmas train, it became a harmonious blend of nostalgic history and festive enchantment.”
The trip will be taking the same route as the famous “Golden Arrow” boat train passing sights the White Cliffs of Dover.
Passengers were able to book to ride aboard this 77-year-old steam engine, ending with a stop in the historic town of Canterbury.
The train will depart from Canterbury West at 3:35pm before traveling through Dover and Folkstone before continuing the tour through Tonbridge.
Where you can spot it:
According to Real Train Times, these are the times the train will be passing through south London on its return journey today.
- Purley Oaks: 7:05pm
- South Croydon: 7:07pm
- East Croydon: 7:09pm
- Thornton Heath: 7:10pm
- Streatham Common: 7:13pm
- Balham: 7:16pm
- Wandsworth Common: 7:18pm
- Clapham Junction: 7:22pm
https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/23994380.1940s-golden-arrow-steam-engine-spotted-norwood-petts-wood/
