Christmas VSOE 12-12-09.

Do you ever get moments when everything is perfect? I had one this afternoon when waiting for 35028 on the VSOE. After seeing 6024 near Goring in the morning we then headed over to Albury to see 35028. With a dark threatening sky looming overhead as we arrived and walked down to the foot crossing we were not optimistic regarding the conditions. We waited with two other people as the sky got darker and released a quick shower. In the distance the distinct Bulleid whistle could be heard as the light started to come back as the clouds passed over. With a light sprinkling of rain on the rails the crew of 35028 certainly had a battle on their hands. Soon the stillness of the Surrey hills was disturbed by the chatter of a Bulleid hard at work. With the wonderful sound of 35028 pounding up the bank getting nearer and her exhaust floating above the trees we prepared ourselves. And then round the bend ahead of us she went into a big slip and the safety valves lifted. Now working very hard she powered towards us and past us in a crescendo of noise. Blasting steam from the safety valves, her sanders on and a superb sound from the exhaust she forged on up the bank. We could hear her working further into the hills for some time with the occasional whistle. And then the stillness returned. A wonderful moment I won't forget of the raw power of steam at it's best. Here is one of several pictures I took:

 

I had a near perfect view of her near the top of Gomshall bank, a huge tower of steam and a fantastic exhaust beat, it was a tad dark in the cutting though seem my photos have some camera shake and noise, but at least a few are salvageable. I'll upload them to my flickr when (if) my HomeHub sorts itself out.

If it were more October time then there would have been more light and autumn colours to boot, but I'll just have to be patient and wait another ten months....

 

Excellent pic

 

Lovely picture - lucky man!

Anyone know who the crew were today please?

Thanks, Mike

 

Don Clarke was driving at East Croydon and back into Victoria and Colin Kerswell (think thats how you spell it) was the fireman I believe.

Hope this helps.

 

Well I'd like to tip my hat to their superb run up Gomshall, and of course to the support crew her keep her absolutely immaculate!

 

Chrismas VSOE 12.12.2009

Wonderful. You were very lucky that the 67 wasn't pushing. Which crossing were you at as I don't recognise the location?

Don

 

One from Victoria:

http://simon71.fotopic.net/p62486198.html

 

Thanks for all your comments. It was a rare perfect moment and a superb sight to witness.

Don, the foot crossing is on a footpath which runs alongside part of Blackheath Lane which comes off the main Chilworth road in Albury. You can park in Church Lane in front of the Church.

 

Don Clarke was the driver today but let me assure you, Colin Kerswell was not the fireman! He was the locomotive inspector for the trip as indeed he was from Kings Cross a couple of weeks ago with Tornado to York on which I travelled. Not sure who the fireman was, sorry!
Can anyone enlighten me as to the wreath on the smokebox door? I saw her run through Woking and raced over to see her at Shalford. A magnificent sight for the many gathered there. A total contrast to Woking where people just seemed not to take any notice. I guess there is so much steam at Woking that it is almost an "everyday" experience! Just like it was in the 60's!

 

As this was advertised as a VSOE Christmas Luncheon special it was the inevitable christmas wreath

 

Sorry wrong one!

 

Where do they turn Clan Line for the VSOE trips from Victoria ?

I see "Battersea loop" mentioned ? I'm presuming they reverse out of Stewarts Lane, goto Factory Junction then down the Clapham line then reverse back to Stewarts Lane ?

 

My video of her is now up as well 60019 on the Cathedrals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXI53tCapEI