The_Mayflower_01_Headboard The Mayflower was a sailing ship which 
departed Plymouth, England, in 1620, carrying to North America (later 
the USA), a breakaway religious sect which became known as The Pilgrim 
Fathers. In commemoration, the train name Mayflower was introduced by 
British Railways, Western Region in June 1957, for an express service 
from London, Paddington, to Plymouth and return. With a few breaks in 
operation the train continues to run today (being named in the 
timetable), operated by Hitachi-built, Classes 800 and 802, bi-mode 
electric/diesel multiple units. On 27th September 2024, Vintage Trains 
ran a special train from Birmingham, via Bristol, to Plymouth and 
return. From Bristol to Plymouth and back, the train was hauled by 
double-headed GWR Castle Class 4-6-0s No.7029 Clun Castle and No.5043 
Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. The ship Mayflower is depicted on the special 
headboard introduced in 1957, here carried on the day, by No.7029 Clun 
Castle. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com