CathEx to Gloucester, 5th Oct 2016

About time this tour had a thread of it's own. Times are in RTT: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...5/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

A very good weather forecast for tomorrow albeit with a strong easterly wind gusting to 35 mph.

Photography wise the wind direction should be OK for the London to Swindon stretch but problematic for the climb to Sapperton. <BJ>

 

Lizzie has failed. A friend has just had a call from someone close to the loco crew.

 

Oh no. She looked great this morning, so looking forward to seeing her in an hour on Sapperton. Please don't let it be true

 

At Glos Stn 47 on front. Lizzie in yard

 

Seen here at Kemble, slowing for what must have been a gauging restriction (A 125 HST had been through previously at full pelt, so it wasn't a general TSR)

 

What is it with Gloucester and steam locos this year? First of all it was 34052 and now it's Lizzy.

I saw 34052 powering up the climb between Kemble and Sapperton earlier in the year but soon after it failed.
Today I saw Lizzy at speed on the GWML at Shrivenham and now that has failed.

I hope they're not jinxed because of me. <BJ>

 

I tried my best, I even said Kemble was in Wiltshire to try and beat the yokel jinx.

 

Don't worry I feel the same, only filmed 2 this year on sapperton both from the east, no climbs at all from the west, fingers crossed for the Cotswold Explorer

 

What's failed on it?

 

Some problem with the blower, apparently. The call was brief. We heard enough to gather that the loco would have to cool down a bit before repairs could begin. Probably best to wait for someone closer to the support crew to come up with a proper explanation.

 

My shot of Lizzie accelerating away from a speed restriction at Kemble ready for the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. Enjoy.

 

Lizzie runs alongside the disused Thames and Severn Canal at Brimscombe.



Real shame that she failed for the return, similar to the Matlock trip in August though that time was not the fault of the locomotive. Quite a turnout at this foot crossing just sound of Standish Junct, only to see a 47 instead. Did get to see this though thanks to the Severn Tunnel works.

 

Blimey, the ML scene this year is getting a bit like the Rev Awdry stories as it seems even the Steam Locomotives don't want to haul the Cathedrals Express:

Lizzie sat in the yard at Gloucester in a sulk and frowned at her support crew.
"No, I won't go back to London. I won't be pushed around by these pesky diesels. Coming round here stealing our jobs. 34052 put her brakes on in protest. She refused to work with these amateurs. And now I refuse to work with them. The indignity!"

On a more serious note I hope the problem isn't too serious with 6201 and she is back in action soon.

 

A shame - 6201 looked splendid when leaving Willesden in the morning. I wonder if the 'Gloucester Jinx' will hit 5043 on Saturday, too?

 

What a modern-looking 0-4-4-0.

 

Going the other way and bypassing the place. If there is a jinx hopefully it's a westbound one for diesel assisted trains.

 

Indeed, but who can guess at the demonic power of these things?!

 

Post on the 6201 Society Facebook page. Does anyone know if she is still at Gloucester?

"We're sorry to report that following an excellent run to Gloucester yesterday with 6201 Princess Elizabeth, a fault was found with the blower valve whilst being checked over and serviced for the return leg. This meant that the locomotive couldn't take the train back to London from Gloucester as planned. However, plans for the repair are already underway and Lizzie will then resume her mainline duties later this month."

 

6201 still at Gloucester Thursday lunchtime.