Steam trains in North and South West London while not commonplace, aren’t rare – but a steam train in East London is exceptionally so, and tomorrow (Sat 10th Dec) is a chance for people in this side of the city to see one charge by.

The Cathedrals Express is running from Southend-on-Sea to Southampton — via Upminster, Gospel Oak and Hounslow — and back along the same route – so you can watch the train twice if you want.

The locomotive doing the pulling will be the 60 year old Britannia class 70000.

Steam trains appeal to most people from train geeks to children, so something to look out for either at the stations along the route, or if you know a good vantage point near the railway tracks.

Timetable for the London Area

Location Morning Evening Upminster 9:56 21:08 Barking Upney Junction 10:06 20:57 Barking 10:08 20:49 Barking Station Junction 10:17 20:47 Woodgrange Park 10:19 20:45 Leyton Midland Road 10:28 20:37 South Tottenham 10:38 20:27 Harringay Park Jn 10:43 20:23 Upper Holloway 10:46 20:19 Junction Road Jn 10:47 20:17 Gospel Oak 10:55 20:15 Kensal Green Jn 11:07 20:03 Willesden Jn: High Level 11:11 20:01 Acton Wells Jn 11:15 19:57 South Acton Jn 11:20 19:52 Kew East Jn 11:27 19:47 Brentford 11:32 19:42 Hounslow 11:37 19:35 Feltham 11:42 19:29 Staines 11:48 19:21

Route Map – subject to changes/delays, but should be accurate.