DOZENS of schoolkids waiting to see an historic steam train were devastated after their view was ruined by a passing commuter train.
The students from St George’s Primary School in Southend were given special permission to watch the Mayflower steam train pass through Shoebury.
But as the prestigious locomotive pulls out from a tunnel to cheers from the kids, a c2c commuter train passes in front of it – blocking their view.
Over one hundred students watched eagerly from a car park to catch a glimpse of the train which was travelling from Southend East to Winchester.
Built in 1948, The Mayflower attracts dozens of trainspotters and photographers when it makes regular trips through Southend.
Parent Katie Hazlewood, 35, joined her child as they waited for the historic loco built in 1948.
She said: “We were stood in the car park of Shoebury Park as the train line passes by the top of it there.
“The school had sent a note to parents saying that any children who wanted to watch it, could just come along to school afterwards which was lovely so most of the school was there.”
As the train could be heard chugging and blowing its whistle towards the end of the tunnel, the excited crowd began cheering.
But the fun was short lived after a commuter train passed from the opposite direction which covered the sound of cheers.
Katie added: “The steam train was making so much noise and we were all cheering, we really didn’t notice the c2c train coming in the opposite direction.
“Just as the steam train appeared from the tunnel, the c2c train shot in front of the steam train right in front of us. There were a lot of disappointed kids but I think looking back now, we can all see the funny side.”
In September 2017, trainspotters who waited over an hour to glimpse the Flying Scotsman were less than chuffed when an express train completely blocked it from view.
The B1 class loco makes regular trips through Southend and passengers can ride to various destinations in the UK.
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