Legendary steam and diesel locomotives have begun departing Alstom’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works, following the conclusion of the world’s largest-ever gathering of historic and modern trains – The Greatest Gathering.
In an unprecedented spectacle, four steam locomotives – SR Merchant Navy Class No. 35018 British India Line, LMS Jubilee Class No. 46115 Scots Guardsman, LMS Jubilee Class No. 45627 Sierra Leone and LMS Stanier Class 5 No. 44932 – left towards Derby railway station for Carnforth at 10.40 this morning (Tuesday 5 August). The four engines appeared at The Greatest Gathering courtesy of West Coast Railways
Minutes later, Alstom colleagues also waved off an InterCity 125, or High Speed Train, one of the most distinctive items of rolling stock from the British Rail era. Comprising of power cars No. 43159 Rio Warrior – the world’s fastest diesel – and No. 43060, its Mark 3 carriages were built at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. The train appeared at The Greatest Gathering courtesy of 125 Group.
Over three days (1-3 August 2025), Alstom welcomed over 40,000 railfans from around the globe at its 90-acre Derby factory. The trainmaker’s sold-out charity extravaganza in the UK formed part of the wider festivities for Railway 200, a year-long celebration marking the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) on 27 September 1825 – and a journey that gave birth to the modern railway.
It also marked the first time in almost 50 years that the Derby factory had opened its doors to the public.