Crowd gathers to see steam train arrive in Weymouth

The Black 5 class number 44871 arrived hauling the Dorset Coast Express having left London at 8.45am, passing through Bournemouth, Poole Wareham and Dorchester, before its arrival at around 2.15pm in Weymouth.

The special service took passengers to Weymouth for a three hour trip to the seaside before they were picked up at around 5.30pm.

The excursion, offered by the Railway Touring Company, says it will give visitors almost three and a half hours in Weymouth to discover much of what this seaside town has to offer. The railway station is close to the beach and shops.'

The arrival of the steam engine was welcomed by a crowd of people on the platform, with families gathering to catch a glimpse of the impressive locomotive.

Christina came to see the train with her two children Luke and Nathan

Christine with Luke and Nathan (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"We saw the steam train coming in and thought we would come and take a look.

"They both love the steam trains, we quite often come to watch it come and leave.,

"There is one coming next week but we are not here for that.

"They both enjoyed seeing it though."

Lynne and Jan watched as the train arrived and also stepped into the cab, fulfilling a lifelong dream for Jan.

Jan (left) and Lynne enjoying seeing the steam train in Weymouth (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Jan said: "I love trains, but steam trains in particular.

"I have always wanted to go inside a steam train and I am amazed I have finally done it.

Jan in the cab of the steam train (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"All of these and now I have done it, I am so pleased.

"It was a bit surreal, I didn't expect it but it was brilliant."

Another steam locomotive will be due in on Wednesday, July 31, Battle of Britain class called Tangmere.