Train enthusiasts will be in for a treat this summer as historic locomotives are set to steam in and out of Trowbridge, Westbury and Frome, with the Weymouth Seaside Express running on four consecutive Sundays.

The summer steam season gets properly under way this Sunday as The Weymouth Seaside Express departs from Bath at 8.50am for the run to the Dorset Coast resort.

The train will arrive at Trowbridge at 9.14am and Westbury at 9.28am, before reaching Weymouth at 11.22am. It will depart from Weymouth at 5pm, reaching Frome at 6.42pm, Westbury 7.14pm, Trowbridge at 7.26pm and Bath at 7.48pm.

Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has drafted in 1934 Swindon-built, Castle class No 5029 Nunney Castle, a former Great Western Railway express passenger train locomotive, which is due to haul this Sunday’s train along with 1946 Brighton-built, West Country class ‘Pacific’ No. 34046 Braunton for the Weymouth service.

These magnificent locomotives will cut a dash through the countryside as they haul The Weymouth Seaside Express’ restored vintage rail coaches.

Launched two summers ago, the steam service has seen thousands take the steam journey.

Fascination with steam travel continues despite the fact that it is 45 years since British Railways ran its final mainline steam passenger service in August 1968, says The Railway Touring Company.

Interest in British rail heritage is at a height this year with two more historic anniversaries.

It is 75 years since Mallard famously set the still unbroken speed record for steam locomotion achieving 126mph back in 1938 and, infamously, the Beeching Report was published 50 years ago in 1963.

The Weymouth Seaside Express will also stop at Trowbridge and Westbury collecting passengers for Weymouth.

For details contact The Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500 or visit www.railwaytouring.co.uk