Chasewater Railway Museum – in Pakistan

Chasewater Railway Museum volunteer David Bathurst made an unplanned appearance on Pakistan National Television in November when to his great surprise he was invited to launch the Prime Minister’s new heritage railways tourism initiative at an event on Rawalpindi Station.

Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed announced on behalf of the PM that all available steam locomotives in Pakistan would be returned to operational use, to haul trains for local and foreign tourists – a great boost for steam enthusiasts.

Accompanied by the Minister, David cut the ceremonial ribbon (see picture) to launch the first steam-hauled charter train in Pakistan for some years, taking a group of railway photographers up to the scenic areas of Taxila and Attock. With run-pasts on demand, the charter used two recently refurbished Vulcan Foundry HGS 2-8-0 locomotives. .

A video recording the occasion is available on YouTube – search for “Sheikh Rasheed Inaugurates Special Steam Safari Train”.

Photo by Bingley Hall