The Bard of Avon - 23/03/19

Works fine Colin... Nice shot.

 

It is 55 years since I last visited Stratford on Avon (school trip) and I did consider making a late booking but I had noticed a worrying link between Tornado and weather related events. Storm Freya followed hot on the heels of The Auld Reekie, Storm Gareth immediately preceded The Aberdonian and The Cumbrian Mountaineer was struck by a deluge (Storm Hannah was the next chosen name; but not used).

So with a name like The Bard of Avon I fully expected that Tornado would summon up a Tempest, however, with the A1SLT & DBC in charge I knew that whatever happened on the day it wouldn't become a Comedy of Errors. As it turned out my concerns were Much Ado About Nothing. From the videos I assume that for those travelling you found the trip to be As You Like It and a RT return ensured that All's Well That Ends Well.
[Oswald exits stage left]

 

A few shots from yesterday: Between Bearley Junction and Wilmcote, at Hatton North Junction (light engine) and on the climb from Stratford back to Wilmcote.

Oh and if anyone knows the names of the driver and fireman for the last section of the outbound tour, the light engine turning movement and the first section of the return tour, I would appreciate knowing them as I have captured both of them in various images taken yesterday.

 

Yes there was. Hearing conversations at the station unfortunately it was Facebook, rather than Nat Pres, that drew them there. We must have passed each other on platform 2.

As an aside, seeing these tools reminded how vital the volunteers and support crew are, and how much of their time, money and energy is given up to allow me and countless others to enjoy steam in the 21st Century. Thank you for what you do.

Stan

 

My work here is done!

 

They can’t crossover at Hatton and have to go all the way up to Dorridge and back, too far to a propel a support coach

 

A Winter's Tale - exit persued by a bear.

 

Yes that was quite a slip out of Stratford on Avon station setting out. I thought 60163 was going to get stuck at first. I was observing out of the vestibule right behind the support coaches, a bit of sand on the lines and steadily opened the regulator and finally we were off, good photo shoot display for the buffs filming and pic snapping though observing on SoA station. Cheers for the view on a video from the platform Colin Morley.

 

Ha, ha David I enjoyed that. I suppose if BIL were ever to repeat that itinerary, you could call it The Merchant of Carnforth.

Peter, on a constantly variable Spring day in Manchester
https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

Tornado's Bard returns 23 March 2019

This was the first full day tour within England of Tornado's new season. It was fitting that it should begin in England's second city, with its destination the birthplace of the Bard.

I failed to turn out at Manchester Piccadilly for the early morning departure, but was there for its punctual return at 10.20 pm.

12 pictures are at https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p823604252

Peter as the sun comes back out in Manchester
https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

England’s second city???You must be joking!!

Dave.
(An ex Brummie, albeit now exiled in North London)

 

Where’s the dislike button?

 

By any measure? By age, there are nineteen English cities that have had that status "since time immemorial", one of which was presumably Britain's second city. By contrast, Manchester only gained the status in 1853

Tom

 

Yes, "I'll be back" (even more groans). I'm hoping to be on Wednesday's Salopian Express (aka The Taming of The Shrewsbury - sorry!)

 

Maybe not any measure, but Measure For Measure.

 

I'm with you here. Nice of the real second city to allow the trip through.