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50008 Thunderer at different stages during the renamed Shooter's Swansong tour run for The Branch Line Society by Hanson and Hall Rail Services Solutions. The tour was redated from one that had been scheduled to run before Christmas. It was renamed in honour of the recently deceased Adrian Shooter who was known for leading the newly privatised Chiltern Railways between 1996-2011 and also a lifelong railway enthusiast.

The locomotive worked in a top-'n'-tail formation with locomotive 37418 An Comuun Gaidhealach which started the tour from Derby and travelled to Birmingham. 50008 then took charge from Birmingham to Oxford Hinksey Yard whereupon 37418 took the tour to London Marylebone. 50008 then led the tour back to Stratford-upon-Avon with 37418 leading back down to London Paddington the last destination for the tour.

It had been envisaged that 50008 would then undertake the return leg but due to low fuel levels the tour went to Hanwell Loop near West Ealing whereupon 37418 led the tour for the rest of the return trip. Total distance covered by 50008 was 197 miles for the one-day trip.

Date: 2023-01-14