A 1950s steam engine will be passing through south east London tomorrow (Tuesday) on its route to Kent – and you’ll be able to spot it on its journey.

Trainspotters and enthusiasts in south east London are set to see an unusual sight as a 73-year-old steam train will be travelling through south east London.

First built in 1951, the 70000 Britannia was the first of 55 locomotives to be built by British Railways in Crewe and was used as an express service for passengers travelling between London and Norwich.

First built in 1951, the 70000 Britannia was the first of 55 locomotives to be built by British Railways in Crewe.First built in 1951, the 70000 Britannia was the first of 55 locomotives to be built by British Railways in Crewe. (Image: David Ireland)

The engine can reach speeds of up to 100 miles an hour with 2 cylinders and is recognisable by dark green and black paintwork.

Some of the most notable moments of the Britannia’s years in service included 1952 when she pulled the funeral train of King George VI from Sandringham to London and in 2012 when she hauled the Royal Train from Preston to Wakefield.

Tomorrow, this striking locomotive will be spotted travelling through parts of south east London, pulling luxurious 1960s carriages to the region of Kent with passengers aboard.

this striking locomotive will be spotted travelling through parts of south east London, pulling luxurious 1960s carriages. this striking locomotive will be spotted travelling through parts of south east London, pulling luxurious 1960s carriages. (Image: Steam Dreams)

The service, run by train experience company Steam Dreams Co, is one of their popular “Garden of England” tours which highlight the landscape and natural beauty of Kent.

This sold-out journey will first begin from London Victoria before heading through south east London to the Kent countryside, with guests aboard carriages ranging from First Class Dining to luxury Pullman dining as they would have done when the carriages were first made in the 1960s.

The train will head to Canterbury and then down to the White Cliffs of Dover, touring around the North Kent Coast and then heading up towards Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, before returning to London Victoria.

The service is one of the popular “Garden of England” tours by Steam Dreams Co.The service is one of the popular “Garden of England” tours by Steam Dreams Co. (Image: Steam Dreams)

Where you can see it

Outward Journey

  • Denmark Hill (Platform 4) – 10:10am
  • Crofton Road Junction – 10:12am
  • Nunhead (Platform 2) – 10:14am
  • Bellingham (Platform 2) – 10:19am
  • Shortlands Junction – 10:27am
  • Bromley South (Platform 4) – 10:31am
  • Bickley Junction – 10:33am
  • St Mary Cray Junction – 10:34am
  • Swanley (Platform 4) – 10:40am

Return Journey

  • Orpington (Platform 4) – 2:53pm-2:57pm
  • Petts Wood Junction – 3:02pm
  • Bickley Junction – 3:04pm
  • Bromley South (Platform 3) – 3:06pm
  • Shortlands Junction – 3:10pm
  • Beckenham Junction – 3:13pm
  • Kent House (Platform 2) – 3:15pm
  • Herne Hill (Platform 2) – 3:25pm
  • Brixton – 3:28pm