By Cedric Johns
FOLLOWING a keynote statement released on July 9, the railway fraternity especially steam Train Operating Companies, railtour promoters and enthusiasts, were astonished to learn that Marcus Robertson had sold his Steam Dreams operation to David Buck, owner of B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 Mayflower.
David said that he was delighted at becoming the new owner of Steam Dreams: “I have grown to know the Steam Dreams’ operation both through my ownership of Mayflower – and its use working ‘Cathedral Express’ trains from 2015 – and as an a occasional passenger.
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“That gave me an insight into how well organised the business was and since taking over as chairman last October, that conviction hardened. When Marcus and his wife Marianne asked if I wanted to take the business on, I was delighted to do so.”
He said having been involved in non-related railway business for years, he was surprised and pleased that he is now able to add his passion for steam into the business mix.
He added: “It’s the best of both worlds.”
The announcement of the change of ownership was made within weeks of Mayflower making a return to the main line following its extended overhaul, much of the work, including the finishing touches, being carried out by West Coast Railways at Carnforth.
When back in traffic, it is planned that the engine will become the mainstay of the ‘Cathedral Express’ programme sharing work with Ian Riley’s ‘Black Fives’ and, at least until the end of this year, John Cameron’s A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa.
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