Steam passing through Birmingham.

We had just returned from another lunch out when we heard a distinctive whistle echoing between the high buildings of central Birmingham and then there she was, emerging from Sheepcote Street Bridge.

President, the last surviving steamer of the F.M.C. fleet. Alright, I know she spent most of her working life with a Bolinder engine (Fitted in 1925) and the steam plant she now carries originates from a Thames launch but she looks and sounds the business.

A cloud of steam and another mournful whistle and she was past Armadillo,

turning at Old Turn Junction she headed for the top of the Old Thirteen and then she was gone.

Watch this space...