An evocative express steam train is coming to Hitchin this weekend.

A steam express called the Sherwood Forester is set to make a scheduled stop at Hitchin Railway Station on Saturday.

The historic Stanier Class 5 no. 45231 will call at Hitchin on its way transporting passengers to York Christmas Markets from London Kings Cross.

Take a look below at the timings to see if you can witness the stunning engine visit Hitchin.

The Steam Dreams Co, responsible for the adventure says: "Our journey begins under the overall roof of the Great Northern Railway's London terminus, Kings Cross station, opened in 1852 and designed by Lewis Cubitt.

"We depart, steam hauled, and make our way along the East Coast Main Line, picking up passengers along the way [including Hitchin]."

The Sherwood Forester

The locomotive was built in 1936 for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.

The first of the Class 5 locomotives, more commonly known as the Black Five Class, was produced in 1934 to the design of Sir William Stanier.

Stanier was the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London Midland & Scottish Railway.

Designed as mixed-traffic locomotive they were capable of handling both passenger and freight trains, and also useful for double-heading heavy passenger trains such as the Inverness to London sleeping car service.

Such was their success and usefulness that the class became one of the most numerous to be used in Britain with 842 built in total between 1934 & 1951.

Since its construction nearly 90 years ago 45231 has worked all over the country, from routes in Wales and Northern England in its 'working life' prior to preservation, to heritage railways in Southern England to the beautiful Mallaig line in Scotland, where Harry Potter was filmed.

If you would like more information about this trip call:

Reservations. +44 (0) 1483 209 888

or Email [email protected]