Cath-Ex Alton-Bath: 5/12/17

I see what I presume must be the ECS for this is even now on it's way to Alton http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54185/2017/12/03/advanced. Rather unusual routing, WLL, Clapham Jn, Streatham Jn, Tooting and Wimbledon.

I guess it made sense for the stock(and the 47) to be stabled at the MHR rather than being sent back to Southall?

 

Stock arrived at Alresford 21:45 last night

 

I believe there was a possession on the GW main line on Sunday with only two tracks open, which was then compounded into chaos by a failed engineering train. Guess there was no path to Southall due to the possession and with the benefit of hindsight it turned out to be a smart move.

 

47580 has been sitting patiently all day in the Alresford headshunt whilst the stock has been serviced.

 

Away from Alresford on time this morning.....

 

Well, 3 late from Alton. RTT also has it timed at 75mph - for a Black 5?

 

45212 working out of Alresford this morning




Bath Express by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Done alright to Aldershot, made up the 3 mins before Bentley!

 

Nice image. But here's a question. I'm intrigued. What does the "65" marker post in the bottom right hand corner of the image signify? I don't think it can be a milepost......Alresford was/ is around Mp 58/ 59 from Waterloo via Woking/ Aldershot. An under-bridge number maybe?

 

Correct. That's a bridge ID marker.

 

Thank you both very much for confirming and satisfying my curiosity on that point.

 

I think its worth pointing out that certain volunteers on the MHR have spent considerable time adding feature lineside furniture such as: mile and bridge posts, Pway huts (as can be seen on the l/h side of shot), advertising signage and ballast stores. Although often missed by passengers on the trains this can add originality to a photograph taken on the line plus be a benefit to the train and pway crews..

 

A couple of views here, heading into Aldershot this morning:

 

45212 at Ash Station this morning

 

Yes there is a track (or is it a stream - can't remember) under the track at that point.

 

Indeed, the building group have erected a number of fine PW huts, which I am sure provide shelter for the numerous members of the PW gangs!

41312 at The Grosvenor by Arle Images, on Flickr

92212 and freight at Northside Lane by Arle Images, on Flickr

Crab at Chawton Heights by Arle Images, on Flickr

Bowers Grove Hut by Arle Images, on Flickr

65B by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Going well through Mottisfont and Dunbridge about 5 down.

 

This was at Shalford Junction.

 

That I like, especially the way the exhaust drifts down, obscuring the last vehicle