I will freely admit that the 2nd November 2025 was a day that I hoped would never come, but as we all know, this is, of course, a futile exercise, as the passage of time never stops. Sadly, I have yet to locate the 'Tardis' and thus we must proceed onwards whether we like it or not. The first weekend of November heralded the end of two important things: firstly, the end of our 2025 operating season - not including our upcoming Christmas and Santa Trains, and secondly (and of greater significance), the end of 35006's boiler ticket, which, as a consequence, brought her first ten years of operational service on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to a close - A time of mixed emotions for many of us.
As they say in show-business 'That's a wrap' and all good things must come to an end at some point. This mighty giant of the Southern Region has provided countless hours of joy, entertainment, and nostalgia for both crews and visitors alike since her return to service back in 2016. I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with the locomotive, since joining the steam department as a volunteer over five years ago. Like many locomotives in preservation, it always manages to put a smile on your face, and it brought in the crowds whenever it was rostered to run on the railway.
Here are a selection of photographs and videos mainly from her last weekend in service, including a few others. A more detailed blog entry will follow in due course once I get some more time away from the job on the 'big railway'. The hard work on 35006's overhaul now begins, and if you would like to support this, more information can be found on the website here: https://www.35006.co.uk/. We are always on the lookout for new volunteers who would like to lend a hand in some capacity, whether that be behind the scenes or in a more active role. There's always something to do in the department.
Over the past ten years, 35006 has proven to be a reliable locomotive. This is a testament to the small band of dedicated volunteers and the wider steam department, who have maintained and tinkered with the engine on an almost weekly basis (usually on Tuesdays and Fridays). Most of my time in the steam department to date has been spent with either this engine or 7820 (now also under overhaul), which has usually involved either disposing of, cleaning, or lighting a warming fire. More often than not, I've ended up doing a combination of all three tasks on the same day!
The locomotive is commonly referred to as 'P&O' or 'PO' within the department. However, other names include: 'The Beast', 'The Jolly Green Giant' and even 'The Widow-maker', mind you, that last one I overheard from a visiting enthusiast not so long ago. I did find it rather amusing at the time, and in hindsight, I wish I'd enquired as to his reasoning for the rather striking nickname. Alas, I guess we'll never know the answer. Despite her imposing size, 35006 is a very forgiving locomotive that steamed very well whilst in service. It's just a shame we're restricted to a 25mph speed limit.
The locomotive is commonly referred to as 'P&O' or 'PO' within the department. However, other names include: 'The Beast', 'The Jolly Green Giant' and even 'The Widow-maker', mind you, that last one I overheard from a visiting enthusiast not so long ago. I did find it rather amusing at the time, and in hindsight, I wish I'd enquired as to his reasoning for the rather striking nickname. Alas, I guess we'll never know the answer. Despite her imposing size, 35006 is a very forgiving locomotive that steamed very well whilst in service. It's just a shame we're restricted to a 25mph speed limit.
Some rather chilly members of the 'P&O gang' including your writer - 9th January 2024 - Photo courtesy of Steve Parker
A photo that I've posted before. It'll be a couple of year's before we can repeat this scene from a few years ago.
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'Western' meets 'Southern' - 7820 'Dinmore Manor' & 35006 'P&O' being prepared for service at Toddington - 25th October 2022
On Friday, 31st October, I was on shed to help prepare 35006 for a private photo charter that had been organised by Jack Boskett. I assisted with disposing of the Merchant and helped get the fire going. In a slight change to the norm, I was asked not to clean the engine as the attending photographers were after a more realistic appearance, in keeping with life in BR service. For my efforts, I was kindly given a ride round to Toddington on the footplate, along with a rather pleasant bacon bap - I certainly don't get any of these 'perks' with the day job, that I can assure you. The loco crews for the day were: Jamie, Chris, Clive & Harry. The photo charter was a great success, and while the weather was rather inclement to begin with, by mid-afternoon things had brightened up, which made for some truly superb photographs.
35006 heads south past Toddington yard - 31st October 2025
This video was filmed on the GWSR on a photo charter. 35006 P&O is being withdrawn for overhaul meaning this was a final look at this engine. Thanks for watching and enjoy - 31st October 2025 - Video courtesy of Martin Creese / Trains of Britain.
Time to move on to 35006's final day in traffic on Sunday 2nd November, and it will be of no surprise to you to read that a fair number of steam department members had turned up for the occasion, not to mention the visiting public. I managed to make it down to Toddington just in time for the mid-afternoon trip to Broadway and back (although this was touch and go, no thanks to some questionable driving by some of my fellow road users!). The weather was much better than on the Friday which was rather fitting for such a poignant occasion, we even had the odd rainbow at one point.
I was lucky enough to have a go at driving the loco on the way back to the shed. A big thanks to everyone involved, particularly the loco crew for the day of Ben, Steve and Matt, plus all of my fellow volunteers helping out on the day.
In the driving seat - Steve Parker - 2nd November 2025 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
Could be flashing through a wayside station - but in fact slowing for Winchcombe - 2nd November 2025 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
Into the Stygian gloom… - 2nd November 2025 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
Turn up the volume as P&O heads through Greet Tunnel southwards for the last time - 2nd November 2025 - Video courtesy of Ian Crowder
Crossing Stanway Viaduct for the penultimate time - 2nd November 2025
Running-round the coaching stock at Broadway - 2nd November 2025
P&O‘s
last departure from Broadway for some time, as the overhaul will
immediately commence - 2nd November 2025 - Photo courtesy of Ian Crowder
Preparing to head back to shed at Toddington - 2nd November 2025
35006 heads to bed for a long earned rest - 2nd November 2025
"The final curtain" for 35006 - Video courtesy of Steve Parker / Ben Evason
Looking ahead to next year, 2026 is coming together with some confirmed event dates as follows *
For those of you who use Facebook, here are a number of GWSR related groups which are worth following:
That's all for now folks... 35006 will be back chuffing along The Cotswolds before you know it.
Alex (the sooty one!).
* Please Note: All locomotives are subject to availability and changes may be made at short notice.
All published photographs and videos are my own unless otherwise stated/credited.
