Heritage Focus ~ Farewell 4464 (Bittern)

Jacob here, as the dedicated Heritage Author

Bittern at Alresford February 2015 courtesy of Jacob's Photo Collection

After eight years, it is sad to say we bid a fond farewell to an iconic and record breaking locomotive, Nigel Gresley's A4 Pacific, Bittern. 

Bittern's current lease of life started in 2001, when she went under full restoration at the Watercress Line in Hampshire, also where she has ended this part of her life. Bittern has, since 1937 had fourteen different boilers, and several different names, being used to recreate some of her now-lost running mates, most recently (2010-11) as 4492 Dominion of New Zealand.

Built in December 1937, the locomotive's 78 year career has been a successful one, with her having the post war speed record for steam, and in 2013 setting a record as the fastest British heritage loco in service, with a top speed of 92.8 Miles Per Hour, from King's Cross to York, and later in 2013 reaching 93 Miles Per Hour. In 2014, following these records, Bittern had golden inscribed plates, similar to Mallard and Sir Nigel Gresley fitted, to commemorate these speed runs (picture below).

Bittern, February 2015 courtesy of Jacob's Photo Collection

On the 1st of January 2015, Bittern was returned to the Watercress Line, after completing her mainline runs, here she operated on special days and events, such as the Steam Spring Gala of 2015, which is where my photos of her were taken. Here she was a popular locomotive, and the operators of this small country heritage line were delighted to see her return once again, and this is where she would be till the 1st of November 2015, which is sadly when her boiler licence ran out, now she returns LNWR, Crewe, for another major overhaul. But don't fret, Bittern will return, in all her glory. Below, several photos from my collection can be viewed.

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