In February, the Epping and Ongar Railway announced that LMS Jubilee 45690 Leander would be making it's final runs before withdrawal for overhaul at the line, over the weekend of 11-12th May.
I visited the Railway on Saturday the 11th, 45690's penultimate day in service. It was my first visit to the line and the first time I'd seen Leander.
I started the day at Ongar, where the Jubilee is seen running around its train. I then rode behind 45690 up to North Weald, where Leander is next seen shunting into and out of platform 2.
I then travelled into Epping Forest behind recreated GWR Saint 2999 Lady of Legend, with 45690 banking on the rear. The 'Jub' then hauled us back to Ongar, making a superb racket as it accelerated up the steep gradients.
My final trip was North Weald to Ongar behind 2999, 45690 being on the rear again. Lastly, Leander is seen departing Ongar, top'n'tailing with the Saint and with its safety valves lifting.
11 май 2024
