Cathedrals Express 15/12/09

Tangmere should be hauling this trip tomorrow as its firebox problem has been sorted. A leaking stay was the cause of it being replaced by Bittern and not a cracked firebox as has been reported.

 

Thanks Shoddy, that's good to know. There were conflicting rumours and speculation on the line-side on Saturday.

 

Times now on UKsteam.

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t09/t1215a.htm

Seems it is picking up/dropping off at Earley which is unusual, would of thought Reading would be better.

 

Reading would indeed have been better, but Network Rail seem to find it very difficult to allow charters to stop to pick-up/set-down passengers at any of the four through platforms at Reading.

 

Left on time

 

Through Reading on time, coaches nicely decked out with decorations.
Hope to get to Tilehurst tonight.

 

any reports on return. Hoping to get round to Earley for the set down. Thanks

 

19:16 through Didcot. Going like a bat out of hell!

 

Away from Earley 12 mins down. Lovely sound in the freezing cold evening. Train of 12 coaches looked pretty full to me.

 

Thanks Ian, will pass on to the train planner who has done most of the Southern Region Christmas workings.

Neil