The Cotswold Explorer - 6/4/19 - 7029

I couldn't find a separate thread for this tour, so thought I'd start one.

Times are in RTT:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10732/2019/04/06/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10735/2019/04/06/advanced
It will be good to see Vintage Trains back in Oxford. Let's hope Clun Castle puts on a good show

 

Expect a class 47 diesel at the rear tomorrow as previously explained by Ben.

''We are a new TOC using a locomotive fresh from overhaul with a mixture of coaches that do and do not have steam heat, plus we have a revised shunt in and out of a very busy Oxford station. The 47 will be on the rear for the next few trains''.

It'll be good to see 7029 Clun Castle once again. It's been far too long. <BJ>

 

We have booked on this due to the cancellation of the Devonian, but as we're with family and friends and I'm not that fussed with whats on rear, unless I'm lineside. If the load is kept to say (8) coaches, there's no reason why we can't run up Sapperton with the 47 idling.

 

I am also booked on this due to the cancellation of The Devonian. Although the 47 will be on the back I imagine the intention is to throw 7029 at Sapperton and see what she can do by herself. I did see Ray Churchill at Worcester Shrub Hill last Saturday watching Mayflower arrive and was planning to cheekily ask him how he was going to handle Sapperton tomorrow, but he was either talking to Ray Poole or talking to his wife and I couldn't work up the nerve to interrupt!

 

Good journey to all travelling on the cotswold explorer to oxford today i hope its a spectacle for all both lineside photographers and passengers well done to vintage trains on their 3rd tour with 7029

 

Load nine. Hopeful for Sapperton after the climb to Snow Hill. You knew it was Ray driving.

 

Ray will not want to ask the DL to assist unless he feels 7029 needs it. He told me he thinks the DLs are a confounded nuisance. I plan to book on the Welsh Marches. Hope it goes well today

 

running 4 minutes early approaching The Hawthorns - nearly got bowled

https://www.flickr.com/photos/31339850@N06/47547438571/in/dateposted-public/

Graham

 

Approaching Old Hill - 4 minutes early https://www.flickr.com/photos/148441453@N04/40581595983/in/dateposted-public/

 

Max of 71 before Kidderminster.

 

73 Eckington, 10 through Ashchurch platform restriction

 

Must be a new one, sure I have seen 5043 speed through there in the past!

 

St Mary's 55, Into Sapperton Tunnel at 25. Pickups have been slow away from slacks, Junctions, and signals. Pretty sure the diesel has stayed quiet.

 

Wasn't any noise from the 47 when it passed me at Thrupp. I'm not sure it was even turned on (although I thought they did for brake reasons?

 

What's the load Liam? Friend just phoned me and it is 8+GUV+Class 47. Last run I timed with 5043 we shot into the tunnel at 37 with 9+GUV. The Class 47 adds around 85 tons to that load so 25 into the tunnel is quite credible without assistance on a dry day.

 

8+guv+47 load 12/13 ??

 

Fast running on the GWML to Didcot max 76 !

 

Bit over 12 but with less bogies to tug around. Seem to remember 5043 did just under 30 into the tunnel after a slip or two with 12 up on a really shocking day with the GB in 2012.

 

Was water taken at Milton Jn?

 

The Type 4 was only ticking over when it left Worcester - made the same noise stationary as when Clun left.