12th Oct 1996

Class 33s nos. 33202 "The Burma Star" and 33046 "Merlin" arrive at Yeovil Junction with the "Bert Hooker Memorial Train no. 1", from London Waterloo to Yeovil, Junction and then Pen Mill, thence to Weymouth and back to Waterloo. This train was one of two running today (this one operated by L.S.W.R Tours) and was originally booked for West Country Pacific no. 34027 "Taw Valley". However, that loco was failed the night before, so the '33s deputised. From here Merchant Navy Pacific no. 35028 "Clan Line" was added to the train. The other train was operated by Pathfinder Tours from Crewe and arrived at Yeovil Junction behind "Clan Line". The return trip back to Crewe was behind Class 47 no. 47532, after a visit to Weymouth. It was a complex arrangement for two trains and shared traction!