The Very Best of UK Steam Trains on the Mainline in 2023! Part 1 - January to June

The first half of 2023 has been pretty busy for steam trains out and about on the mainline. Ranging from Flying Scotsman celebrating her 100th Birthday celebrations, the return to service of Tyseley Castle no. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, and the first mainline runs of LNER A4 no. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in her lovely BR Blue livery. There were also some historic moments during the first half of 2023. Flying Scotsman hauled The Royal Duchy on her own in April, 7029 Clun Castle hauling a train up the Settle and Carlisle Line for the first time since 1967 and a double Castle pairing up the famous Lickey Incline for the first time in steam preservation. Also featuring was 45596 Bahamas tackling the Devon Banks as well as the Great Britain, 45562 Alberta on her western ventures in February, 46115 Scots Guardsman on a rare visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and a glimpse of 61306 Mayflower at speed. As always a big thanks to all the operators and volunteers for their relentless effort which without wouldn't m