Shakespeare Express 2015 Season

Can't see a thread for this yet, so here we go.

Yesterday was a day when it was probably best to be riding on board the train and dry, but nevertheless I headed out to see the second running of this 'summer' season. No prizes for guessing the motive power, the familiar face of 4965 on duty. Firstly, here approaching Bearley:



Then the second departure from Stratford at Wilmcote


At both stations I was joined by several other onlookers, the SE still attracting both enthusiasts and joe public even in the pouring rain.

 

Hopefully better weather next Sunday as I'm booked on it.

 

Good luck!

Hopefully you'll get some weather like I was lucky enough to get last week (19th July)

 

The pic by Old Git brought back childhood memories. I lived close to where the pic was taken as a child and often stood beneath that low bridge as train crossed over it. In fact I spent many hours along the towpath of the S-upon-A canal and at the smaller wayside statons and halts on the N.Warks line. In fact I did log, from my back garden - probably often - Rood Ashton Hall as she passed my home.
My move to Devon in 1954 meant I still had the great fortune to be living in GWR territory!

 

Great shot! I took a similar one at that bridge last year: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djcs_trains/15096882632/in/album-72157646179230302/

 

Interesting to note that 4965 didnt appear to feature overhead line warnings prominently last year as she does now. Another tightening up of the regs?

 

In good weather I ventured out yesterday (2nd August) to see Rood Ashton Hall on the Shakespeare Express.
Locations chosen:
Trip 1 - Henley in Arden - enjoyed a chat with Les Ross while awaiting the arrival.
Trip 2 - Just south of Bearley Junction at the footpath crossing.
Trip 3 - Wilmcote Station
Trip 4 - Bishopston bridge overlooking Stratford upon Avon Parkway station.

In between times I also caught shots while the train sat in Stratford station.
All pics viewable here.....
http://evergreen.zenfolio.com/p1058676151#h517fd2f9

 

^ A very nice set there Clive, thanks for sharing.

 

Weeks 3 & 4

 

My images so far this season. From the first weekend...... Which I did add a link a couple of weeks ago to Bens Vintage trains 2015 post.... And a few shots from yesterday 09/08/2015

Please go to ........ http://rickeborall.zenfolio.com/p907538783

I shall be adding more images to this gallery as the season continues if and when I can get out!

Regards to all............Rick

 

Shakespeare Express #5 - 16th August 2015 will be hauled by No: 5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe".

We have tickets available for sale on the day - 10:23 from Snow Hill or if you want to take advantage of our afternoon £12.50 round-trip special, join us at Stratford-upon-Avon at 12:36.

 

Edgcumbe smoking away at Shrewley footbridge on the 2nd run today.

 

Booked on trains A & B on Sunday. Looking forward to my first ever trip behind mainline steam, instead of the usual linesiding!

 

£12.50 for over 2 hours of mainline steam – seams like a bargain to me…but then I am biased!

12:36 Departure from Stratford-upon-Avon; returning at 15:04 with about 20 mins in Birmingham for the loco to run-round.

www.ShakespeareExpress.com

 

Ben, will 4965 be doing 2 days work in a row next weekend or will the Earl get another run out?

One from Stratford yesterday (before the rain came!) and another of 5043 at Widney Manor from the previous Sunday.

 

The Hall is working both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. 5043 is rostered for the last Shakespeare on 6th Sept.

 

I hope the person hanging out of the window in first coach has been dealt with!

 

He will be when he returns on Saturday!