Well, with the new year now under way, it's time to take a look back at what was 2018, the year that marked the 50th anniversary of the end of revenue earning steam hauled trains on British main lines. 2018 saw a couple of notable returnees to the main line circuit, these being SR U Class No.31806 and 70000 'Britannia'. Until said year, 31806 had not worked on the main line since being withdrawn from BR service in January 1964! While 'Britannia' had been out of action since October 2015, owing to major repairs being required. After successful testing on the Severn Valley Railway and on the main line, she finally returned to active service in early December. The year also saw a number of returnees on the heritage line circuit, from, both, overhauls and full on restorations. These include: 80097, 7828 'Odney Manor', 6989 'Wightwick Hall', 75069, 45596 'Bahamas' and many more.

This year also saw a number of locos bowing out of service, in need of overhaul. Including: 45379, W8 'Freshwater', 70013 'Oliver Cromwell', 9600 and 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe'.

There have been a fair few memorable moments on the main line and on heritage lines alike: 31806 taking on Upwey and Evershot banks during her loaded test run and, later, The Great Britain XI; 6023 'King Edward II' breaking free from the shackles of Didcot to visit the likes of the Severn Valley Railway and the Dartmouth Steam Railway; 35028 'Clan Line' conquering the South Devon Banks, as well as making her first ever visit into Cornwall, with 'The Cornishman'; 45212's consistently strong performances during her time working the main lines in the South of England, and 73082 'Camelot' making her first escape from the Bluebell Railway to visit another heritage line, taking part in the West Somerset Railway's autumn steam gala!

I'd like to take this moment to thank everyone who watched and supported my videos throughout the year and, of course, all those involved with the restoration and running of those beautiful beasts that we adore so much, and the railways they run on. Without whom, none of this would be possible. Thank you and a Happy New Year to you all.

Filmed on a Panasonic VXF990 with a Pro Sound L92AA microphone.

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