Ex-LNER ‘A4’ Class 4-6-2 No. 60019 ‘Bittern’ has been running on the main line for a number of years. In April 2011, it emerged restored under the guise of long withdrawn classmate No. 4492 ‘Dominion of New Zealand’ in original as built condition – in blue livery with driving wheel valences. It is emerging from the tunnel at Twerton, between Bath and Bristol, with the ‘Bath Spa Christmas Express’ from Poole to Bristol on 7th December 2011. This engine is one of 35 designed by Gresley in 1935 as the ultimate passenger design for the LNER. Another engine of the class, No.4468 ‘Mallard’, became famous by setting the world speed record for a steam train of 126 mph, in July 1938.
