A steam train is visiting the DLR

This weekend there will be a chance to see a steam locomotive on the DLR — as a 150-year old engine will be on display at Poplar DLR depot.

What is officially an LB&SCR A class of British 0-6-0T steam locomotive, the engine on display is number 70, also known as “Poplar”, so it’s making a visit to Poplar depot for a couple of weeks.

The engine, which is now owned by the Kent and East Sussex Railway, is in London as part of an educational programme for schools funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

While the engine will be available for local school visits organised by Global Learning London, it will also be open to the public this weekend. You’ll be able to visit the footplate and handle the controls of a 150-year steam train locomotive in the grounds of London’s famously driverless trains, the DLR depot at Poplar.

Groups for each 30-minute timeslot will be strictly limited to 20 people to ensure a full experience for visitors.

Tours will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June 2022

It’s a static display, but how often will you get to see a steam train on the DLR?

IMPORTANT – You must bring photo ID for anyone 18 years old or older. Participants under 18 are only permitted in the company of a person aged 18 or over. You must be at the DLR depot’s security gate at least 15 minutes before your time slot. This is a working train depot. You must obey the instructions of your group guide at all times and not go beyond the permitted area. You should wear sensible footwear. No high heels.