61306 - The Cathedrals Express 01-03-15

'Mayflower' absolutely stormed up to the summit at Sapperton tunnel ......and in good light!!
What a sound. OK it only had 9 on but even so, that was amazing. It must have been an excellent
run for the punters. Let's hope we get a report of the day from some of our members who were
aboard the train. <BJ>

 

Celebrating a cracking run with some fine Welsh ales in Cardiff. At the front for the return and looking forward to Ray Churchill + 61306 v Sapperton. Bring it on.

 

Yes, I couldn't believe the speed it was doing.

 

Mayflower speeding up Sapperton

 

Three shots from this morning:



61306 going well at each location.

 

Another view, this one from Slough this morning:



Sounding good on the departure too with the MP3 below (click to play, headphones recommended):

https://soundcloud.com/sounds-of-stea/61306-mayflower-departs-slough-01-march-2015

 

Going well just west of Gloucester in the rain. An hour earlier it was perfect sunshine, but the rain from the west came in at just the wrong moment.

 

Here's my video of Mayflower at Standish and Gatcombe from today:

 

Lovely video, just a shame about the trespassers at 0.47 (or at least they appear to be). When will these cretins realise they'll end up killing themselves or steam on the mainline?

 

Problem is, there just Joe public, observing a passing steam train. They, have no understaning of what their actions may cause. The footplate crew, diddn't seem to bothered ! The fireman even gave them a wave

 

Sapperton Bank, what bank? Storming performance from Ray Churchill and Mayflower.

 

Not surprising but all appears well with this evening's climb to Sapperton tunnel. <BJ>

Gloucester [GCR] RT
Standish Jn 2L
Stonehouse [SHU] 4L
Stroud [STD] 5L
St. Mary's Level Crossing 2L
Kemble [KEM] 2L 1
Swindon Loco Yard RT

 

I think he was throwing lumps of coal at them.

 

I was at Chepstow for the outward run and there was a lot of Joe Public there, not all where they should. And the engine crew were indicating to some to move their position.

 

She is a beautiful bit of kit

 

Wonderful first impressions of this newcomer for me to the mainline. Want to catch her again.

 

Might have guessed it was Ray in charge, you could hear the loco coming for a very long time!!!!



OK, it's dark but enjoy the sound track...
(Recorded at Sapperton Tunnel, this is the short version)

 

The one that got away...

Location - good.
Sun position - good.
Speed - fast: good for the video.
Wind... in COMPLETELY the wrong direction! Grrrrrrr!

South Stoke this morning.

James

 

A great day out behind a loco well on top of the job. Some impressive acceleration away from station stops and a swift climb of Sapperton on the outward journey. On the return the departures from the various stations were relatively cautious but that all changed once we got to Gloucester. The ascent of Sapperton was stunning and loud. The Reading departure was pretty good but the one from Twyford was the best of the day. Ray really gave her the beans. Talk on the train was that the owner played a big part in making this a box free run. If that's true then many, many thanks Mr. Buck.