2nd May 2026 Locomotive Services Ltd/ Saphos Trains used Class 45 No. 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' for the first 'English Riviera Express' charter of the 2026 season. No. 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' operated in top and tail formation with No. 47593 'Galloway Princess' to Taunton as 1Z61 06:10 Crewe - Kingswear. Upon arrival at Taunton, the Class 45 was removed and replaced by LNER B1 No. 61603 for the steam leg into Devon. The Class 45 is pictured at 40 Steps, having uncoupled from the train and being moved to the sidings behind Taunton Station. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

2nd May 2026 First English Riviera Express charter of the 2026 season saw Locomotive Services provide Class 45 No. 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' and Class 47 No. 47593 'Galloway Princess' operating in top and tail formation for the 1Z61 06:10 Crewe -Taunton to Kingswear & return. On arrival at Taunton, the peak was replaced with LNER B1 No. 61306 'Mayflower' for the steam leg from Taunton to Kingswear. The beautiful train is captured approaching the Taunton stop as it passes Creech St Michael on Saturday, 2nd May 2026 (Photo: S A Ginn)

2nd May 2026 Saphos Trains 'English Riviera Express' charter slowly passes Silk Mills on Saturday, 2nd May 2026. LNER B1 No. 61306 'Mayflower' joined the train at Taunton (having previously moved from Bishops Lydeard to Taunton in preparation to meet the charter service). The English Riviera Express was hauled to Taunton by LSL Class 45 No. 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' in top and tail formation with No. 47593 'Galloway Princess'. No. 61306 'Mayflower' then hauled the 1Z61 06:10 Crewe - Kingswear charter into Devon. Also of note was the Intercity Mk3 Buffet coach in the consist (10212). (Photo: Brian Garrett)

2nd May 2026 As LNER B1 No. 61306 'Mayflower' pulls away from a signal stop at Silk Mills on Saturday, 2nd May 2026. Intercity liveried Class 47 No. 47593 'Galloway Princess' is pictured on the rear of the Saphos Trains 'English Riviera Express' charter 1Z61 06:10 Crewe - Kingswear. (Photo: Brian Garrett)