The weather was perfect on Bank Holiday Monday 28 May 2018 as Kilmersdon hauled some of the first steam passenger services on the Helston branch in Cornwall for over 55 years.
On some services, the 72-seater coach ran full and there was no doubting the Helston's appreciation at having Kilmersdon available. They had already hired a Peckett – built in 1949 and rather appropriately named William Murdoch after the Cornish mining engineer – but the engine's overhaul was not completed in time for this weekend.
Later in the summer, it is hoped that the pair can run together in an unusual example of double-heading.
The photos here are all extracted from video footage – the video will follow shortly.
Pausing at Trevarno, the intermediate station on the 1.25 mile line.
At Trevarno.
Poster advertising Kilmersdon at Trevarno.
Later in the day, arriving at Truthall Halt with the 15.30 service, the last of the weekend.
Hand on the regulator on the return journey.
Scenic delights on the return journey.