Scots Guardsman

Travelling home to Wales for a couple of days word came that our train was unable to move forward as there was steam excursion train ahead and it had run out of water. Our guard gave a running commentary; the fire brigade had been called and they'd be bringing a tender to top up the tank. Half an hour later we were able to move ahead, and at Warrington we had our first pass of the locomotive that had delayed us, the Scots Guardsman.

The delay meant we missed our connection at Chester, so we had a chance to wait for the steam loco to catch us up again. It was taking its time though, so we were aboard our sleek Class 175 about to depart for Rhyl when it finally pulled in alongside us and I was able to get this photo.

There were plenty of enthusiasts following the journey, the Scots Guardsman is a famous locomotive. It starred in classic 1930s documentary, Night Mail and more recently carried the Olympic torch in the build up to London 2012. We enjoyed our close encounter, even if it was a brief one.