The Bulleid Light Pacific that hauled Winston Churchill’s funeral train | Curator with a Camera

Join Thomas Spain from our team of curators for an in-depth tour of Winston Churchill, a Battle of Britain Class (or Light Pacific) locomotive named after the UK Prime Minister who was in charge from 1940 to 1945 and 1951 to 1955.
In 1965, Winston Churchill was selected as the locomotive to haul the funeral train of its namesake.
Enjoy a tour of the exterior details and a run through the locomotive's history before climbing up into the cab, which features a number of intriguing innovations including a steam-powered mechanism for opening the firehole door.
Thomas' passion for this locomotive-and its designer Oliver Bulleid's other creations-runs deep!
This loco was filmed at Locomotion in Shildon. To find out more about Locomotion, visit www.locomotion.org.uk/
If it's the National Railway Museum in York you're looking for, head to www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/
Chapters:
00:00-01:00 Intro
01:00-01:57 Oliver Bulleid's first locos
01:58-02:48 Advanced steam locomotive technology
02:48-04:16 Driving wheels and spontaneous combustion
04:16-04:39 Sandboxes vs airsmooth casing
04:39-05:11 Chain-driven valve gear
05:11-05:58 Bulleid's flawed oil bath idea
05:58-06:39 Smoke issues
06:39-07:41 Electric lighting and steam-powered generator
07:41-08:23 The creation of the Battle of Britain Class
08:23-09:01 Aircraft-inspired nameplate
09:01-12:32 Inside the cab, tour of controls
12:32-13:36 Firehole door with steam-powered opening
13:36-14:06 Bulleid 'middle C' whistle
14:06-14:46 Bulleid's innovations and unreliability
14:46-15:12 Thanks for watching!
#railways #ww2 #trains

[@thomasdurant7907]

The ending feels like "that's enough information, shall we go have a pint now?" Very British presentation.

[@tobys_transport_videos]

😂😂😂😂😂😂🚂🚂🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@tobys_transport_videos]

The Bulleid Pacific is such a _fascinating_ class of locomotive!!! They were so unique!!! These and Stanier's _Black Fives,_ along with Riddles' 9F, rate as my absolute *_favourite_* British steam locomotives - and I'm not a Brit - just an Aussie that knows quite a bit about British and Australian steam! 💖🚂

[@briantitchener4829]

When I was a young train-spotter on the Southern Region, seeing a "spam-can" was special. Saw this engine in steam in 1964. Great days. A number of these are preserved and still running.

[@JRS06]

I've recently had the pleasure of seeing this magnificent loco in real life. It's truly spectacular, and is quite a significant memeber of a numerous class.

[@stuartdixon747]

Fired 92 Squadron on NYMR quite a few years ago. Boy did she go. I'll not mention the driver but we passed Moorgates with 50 mph on the speedo. Beautiful locomotive.

[@joshslater2426]

Alongside Hardwicke, this is one of the locos I want to move back to the NRM in York. It has significance and looks very impressive in spite of its technical faults.

[@class37thrash]

These are my favourite class by far. There's something oddly fun about a drive down through the South West, and looking at road signs noting "That's a Bulleid, so is that!"

[@johnjephcote7636]

Air-smoothing was intended to allow the loco to go thro' a carriage washing plant. The MNs were allowed to be built in wartime because Bulleid described them as 'mixed-traffic' locos.

[@rwm2986]

Thank you. I remember watching the funeral train go by just after it had passed through Virginia Water on its way to 'transfer' from Southern Region to Western Region at Reading.

[@johnjephcote7636]

I was only watching it on TV, I think Richard Dimbleby was speaking and he said the loco had been brought up from Salisbury. The last unrebuilt one I saw was at Waterloo in 1967. I took a very dark photo and with nameplates removed, I still cannot see its number.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Another lovely and informative CwaC. And welcome to Thomas Spain, the new face to the YT series. :)

[@HROM1908]

I was on Clapham Common station platform the day Churchill's train went by. It did not stop. Very emotional.

[@simonpontin]

Tom Spain looks like a young Bernard Miles! His narration is excellent. What a great series, C w a C!😊

[@smellywelshhobo1058]

Hey Thomas, if you see this, it's Ben, your cousin! Lovely video mate. 😁

[@paulshirley6383]

The Bulleid Light Pacific that hauled Winston Churchill’s funeral train | Curator with a Camera LOUIS SHIRLEY

[@wt7807]

Interesting video Thomas, well presented.

[@howardalexander0621]

Fantastic looking locomotive. I love the design and engineering that went into steam locomotives, without the help of computers. It always amazes me how complex a steam locomotive is and the differences between classes. Presumably, one reason why it costs so much to restore and maintain them. As those wheels were stronger and lighter than other designs, why were they not more widely adopted?

[@JoshHemingwayMetcalfe96]

Good video. Thanks for sharing this and filming Winston Churchill steam engine. Winston Churchill is also my favourite steam locomotive as well. Kind regards from Josh

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

Excellent, I am in the midst of re-naming and re-numbering a Hornby light pacific from Sir Archibald Sinclair to Winston Churchill. Thanks for the close up look.

[@blueridgebonsai9155]

@@tobys_transport_videos Actually I wanted one in the original malachite green livery and I don’t think Hornby did a Winston Churchill in that livery, at least I have never seen one on any of the production lists.

[@tobys_transport_videos]

@blueridgebonsai9155 Fair point. I have it in BR green, and 257 Squadron coming in malachite green with British Railways wording on the tender. At least through my regular supplier this latest Hornby model is already in short supply. If you're looking for nameplates and don't already have them, I suggest The Model Centre, up in the North Yorkshire Moors 🙂

[@lrochfort]

Great presentation. More, please!

[@rodreed5147]

Brilliant video and description, really enjoyed it

[@andypotter3]

Nice nod to the 'boss' at 03:40 hahahahaha

[@bayernbahn1549]

A wonderful video! I love this locomotive a lot! I think it looks very nice.

[@margotishrn]

Who was that that flashed up when he said boss? 😂

[@hughrainbird8190]

The time I spent with "West Country" sister locomotive 34092 "City of Wells" in the 1980's on the KWVR and "on tour" on the main line is unforgettable, and a boyhood dream come true from when I watched them pass by Petts Wood Junction on Kent Coast expresses. But it did give an insight into what life with this class must have been like for those involved with them in daily service. To be on the footplate for the non stop run between Yeovil Junction and Salisbury in July 1988, to mark the 21st anniversary of the end of steam on the Southern, when we touched 85 mph, was one of the experiences of a lifetime. Thanks to the then owners of 34092, and RIP "Jock" Adams, 34092's caretaker, and Harry Frith "fount of all knowledge" as far as Bulleid Pacifics were concerned.

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

I like unrebuilt Bullied Pacific’s especially the West Countries,my favourite locomotive is Blackmore Vale,it hauled the last up Atlantic Coast Express from Padstow to Waterloo in 1964.

[@mattgetty]

It's Bruce Springsteen that flashes up at approx 3:40. He is also known as the 'Boss' 😂

[@dereham1]

On first viewing I thought it was Chris Packham, environmentalist - rather disappointed it was Springsteen.

[@Ribeirasacra]

I came here to write about the face.

[@Robslondon]

Another wonderful video as usual.

[@daystatesniper01]

Great video ,would love to see it in steam but quite a few of them running ,looks amazing in as last run BR condition

[@andrewduke1489]

Fantastic. I love the spam cans

[@graemehannam3950]

Remember well the legendary s&d driver Donald Beal describing a time when a unrebuilt bullied pacific catching fire, the way he described it was comical, though don’t think I’d want to be on the footplate of one when they started slipping in one of the tunnels on the s&d, the way he described it sounded like it was an horrific experience

[@kenharris5390]

Ivor always tried to innovate in the design of his locomotives. Some were successful, others not so much, that the SR Leader Class would fall into this category. This is to be expected when an engineer is thinking outside the box, it must have been a very broad minded board of directors to take a risk on his projects. The most iconic loco design must have been the Q1, especially flying past at 75mph. Thanks for a great presentation, John.

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Excellent video and most informative, thank you I thoroughly enjoyed it and have become a subscriber.

[@rmirmi8377]

As always brilliant 😊 look forward to the next episode

[@huwprice881]

Another fabulous video, thank you. My daughter, having perfect pitch, says the whistle is a sharp E, not middle C!

[@paolomargini7904]

Which is also F

[@jamescrawford2042]

Great video thanks

[@patrickhouston2610]

Great video, very informative many thanks for your work you have put into this.

[@noeldunford4955]

Yes I remember the funeral traiñ on the TV the British bull dog RIP CHURCHILL

[@railwaysetc.]

Anyone ales see that at 3:40?

[@terrier_productions]

Yes.. that isn’t the first time that the NRM have done that I believe

[@joncrawford3485]

Think that was a bit of The Boss - aka Bruce Springsteen

[@howardalexander0621]

Not the first time, but watched it back😂

[@howardalexander0621]

Fantastic looking locomotive. I love the design and engineering that went into steam locomotives, without the help of computers. It always amazes me how complex a steam locomotive is and the differences between classes. Presumably, one reason why it costs so much to restore and maintain them. As those wheels were stronger and lighter than other designs, why were they not more widely adopted?

[@chrisgurney2467]

That is not a "Crest" it is a coat of Arms, the crest is only that part of the heraldic achievement that sits upon the Helm, the other locos also did not have "Crests" but Squadron Badges or Coats of Arms

[@1VperOctave]

A fascinating and informative presentation. Thank You.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

4:06 “Rebecca…why have you stopped with the express?” “Sorry Gordon. I’ve spontaneously combusted” “THE INDIGNITY!” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@martinpook5707]

Many memories of these engines in RAF blue. I was watching a video about the Lewisham rail crash and the narrator said the driver of the Battel of Britain was on the righthand side and the fireman on the left hadn't been told to watch the signals. Any ideas?

[@bussesandtrains1218]

Some engines were right hand drive to make firing easier Stupid, right? Interestingly the rebuilt locos were left hand drive

[@codynovaknz]

Anyone see that random photo of Bruce springsteen at 3.40 at all?

[@olivercollind5036]

Nice to know the MHR restoration project is still ok

[@leejohnson3209]

A loco that was born to run.

[@mikecawood]

The rebuilt Bulleid Pacifics were far better locos. The removal of the air-smoothed casing and its replacement with conventional boiler cladding gave the driver a much better view forward.

[@stevenarts5415]

very nice addition to the series again very intereting! but where is the music??

[@SuperMikado282]

Why do you want music ?

[@stevenarts5415]

@@SuperMikado282 its very calming and nice

[@Olivers-trains]

Great video, may I ask why a random picture of a person on an orange background pops up for a millisecond at around 3:40?

[@rachelcarre9468]

3:42 I think it is.

[@Olivers-trains]

@@rachelcarre9468 it's slightly before 3:40 I think

[@josephkarl2061]

As has been mentioned before, it is Bruce Springsteen, who is also known as The Boss.

[@Olivers-trains]

@@josephkarl2061 Ok

[@samuelwright4172]

A nice southern engine, probably the best bullied besides clan line.

[@samuelwright4172]

Oh, my point was that Winston Churchill is a fascinating and nice engine, but due to it not running, and being in a museum for most of preservation, I think clan line, another engine built by the same man, but of a different class (although both designs are simular) is overall better. This is due to her owning group being one of the few in the uk that operates a single steam loco privately rather than being part of a franchise. That is my personal preference, and if you think differently, that is fine. I am interested to hear more about clan line being Great western. Although she was british railways-built, I had the impression she stayed on the southern region for all of her working life. Could you elaborate on this, as I am not able to find any sources on it?

[@tobys_transport_videos]

@samuelwright4172 Apologies for the mistake, I don't know where I got the idea that _Clan Line_ was a GWR engine! 🤔 I must have been thinking of the GWR Castle class, of which there is certainly no comparison. Of interest though, is that this loco, _Winston Churchill,_ has not run since about 1965 when it hauled the funeral train for its namesake. This would make it the most original Bulleid Pacific in existence as it has all BR/Southern Railway parts. They are indeed a great engine! 💖🇬🇧🚂

[@samuelwright4172]

@MixedGaugeVideos Probably, but I saw a video about her being cosmetically restored at the mid-hants railway, in a film produced by the channel, and they did mention replacing some parts (specifically the cladding) so she's not completely original, but as most others of her class were rescued from barry, I think it's fair to say that she is the most original

[@tobys_transport_videos]

@samuelwright4172 The saving of engines from Barry is in itself a miracle! I don't know of any other scrapyards where so many engines went in, and came back out in one piece! I know there was at least one other scrapper that decided at least one engine looked too good to chop up, so he kept it. I think it was a Black Five, and had been recently cleaned by the "Master Neverers" group of photographers at the time.

[@michaelmiller641]

I remember the funeral, I was 15, and travelling the underground on a twin rover ticket!

[@jackjtwomey]

Chris Packham at 3:41? 🤔

[@jackjtwomey]

Gottit, The Boss 😂

[@jorge8596]

That air smoothing cover looks like it would produce more drag than a normal exposed engine

[@CustomiZe_]

The air smoothing was more so the locos could be washed easily in the carriage washer rather than minimising drag i believe

[@samj7927]

When will winston Churchill steam again 😊 And do on the black five next With the curator with the camera 😊

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Fascinating design for war-time. Yet some the cab seems from 1920…

[@stewartellinson8846]

So what's going on at 3.39 - are we trying to condition people using subliminal imaging?

[@sun4715]

Who’s the guy at 3:38?

[@HongKongShooey]

Bruce Springsteen 😆.

[@nicks4934]

What was the flash of a person at 3:45?

[@javanicworks-id]

Is it just me or the bloke looks like Trevithick

[@maestromecanico597]

Had no idea Springsteen was a fan of Bulleid.

[@seanthecomentator]

Who was the still frame of around 3:47

[@Hard-Boiled-Bollock]

3:40: You do look a bit like him actually

[@jfreelan1964]

Excellent presentation of this class of engine. You mentioned the Merchant navy class, do any exist, if so, do you have one?

[@rogerwatt3154]

Several Merchant Navy locomotives are preserved and running but, to the best of my knowledge, the NRM only has one which is static and 'sectioned' to show the museum visitors exactly how a steam locomotive works.

[@cr10001]

As Roger said, NRM has 35029 Ellerman Lines, but it's been sectioned or cut away to show the workings. However, a lot of Bulleid Pacifics ended up at Barry scrapyard and hence got preserved, including ten Merchant Navies. I think two are currently running, 35018 British India Line and 35028 Clan Line. Others are 'under restoration' which means some of them will run again.

[@andrewyoung749]

@@cr10001 35006 p and o is also in service

[@Eliteerin]

How come it has the nuclear warning symbol in the cab?

[@cr10001]

No, that black & yellow is the AWS cab signalling. As I recall, the nuclear symbol just has three 'spokes'.

[@7hiris]

I assume it's because the AWS has to be visible in all conditions so perhaps radium paint was used to give it a glow. I'd love to know why they have a radiation warning tag on it

[@michaelbird3183]

@@7hiris That is exactly why. It has been mentioned in another of the videos

[@zuluhallam4395]

It's a shame that it is not in steam would be great to see running

[@marcleslac2413]

3:39

[@Sammie_Sorrelly]

A spam can. How fitting.

[@Spheredalai]

3:39 man jumpscare

[@gainsbourg66]

They were quiet

[@andrewfanner2245]

Now get her back into steam, 2025 for the 80th anniveraries perhaps?

[@steamingspud]

What’s ah… Bruce Springsteen doin’ in there?

[@toyotaprius79]

For those who like their history. Churchill's legacy of the Black and Tans militia that Churchill sent to Ireland makes some great reading

[@johnjephcote7636]

Very cruel, yes, and so too was his disaster of the Gallipoli landings (and evacuation).

[@jimcrawford5039]

What was his office when you say he did that?

[@jimcrawford5039]

As for Gallipoli, he was the admiralty boss, (NAVY) nothing to do with sending troops. Check your facts!

[@dewijones5319]

@@jimcrawford5039 Who sent the troops to Tonypandy and shot over the heads of women and children?

[@davidderbidge8232]

Why didn't you put your money into the bullied instead of wasting all that money on Flying Scotsman

[@andrewyoung749]

why? there is one a3 and thus only one in operation. there are something like 15 of these hanging around and maybe 4-6 in steam...

[@samuelwright4172]

Now, I could elaborate on this but I am going to keep my reply short and simple. At the end of the day, flying scotsman and wiston churchill are THEIR property, and THEIR decision whether they run or not. Agree or disagree that is the NRM's choice, not anyone else's.