A4 Bittern Steams!

Joshua K. Blay · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 4:41 pm

She's warming as I type.

Is Rupert Drury the owner? Any background on him?

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/index.htm

Jim Livesey · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 5:50 pm **Posts:** 96

No. Its owned by a rather well-off gentleman called Jeremy Hoskins who has obtained a stable of steam horses in recent years.

I can't remember what they all are but one of them is rebuilt West Country 34046 "Braunton" which is being restored on the West Somerset Railway.

Jim.

Gavin Hamilton · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 7:00 pm

I've just spent ages searching for his name... I think he also owns, in addition to 34046, a Castle (can't remember number) and 9F 2-10-0 92212 - maybe others.

wilkinsd · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 7:38 pm

Rupert Drury is the son of the late Geoff Drury. Geoff Drury purchased "Bittern" from BR in the 1960s, and thus is responsible for its preservation. Geoff Drury is better known for owning BR 60532, an LNER Peppercorn A2 class pacific "Blue Peter." About a year after the elder Drury passed away, a group ran an excursion with "Blue Peter" renamed "Albatross" in honor of the former owner saying that the locomotive at times was such a beast.