WEYMOUTH SEASIDE EXPRESS

I would have thought the climb to Evershot would be the limiting factor for loads on this line, at least the gradient profile would suggest so. Would be nice to see 5043 down there.
For those who like noise a 28xx is about the best we have left now but a bit difficult to get enough behind the tender these days.

Cheers Dave

 

First trip on the Weymouth trains for our family and we had a splendid day. The climb of Evershot in the morning was first class but the fire clinkered a bit (I understand) on Upwey on the return, never-the-less 5029 was master of the job. The run between Westbury and Bath was magnificent. We seem to have been delayed all day by service trains (5029 recover the time in running) but despite being held outside Westbury we were given the road ahead of the stopped and driver Warrenier was obviously keen to keep out of his way. The wonderful ‘castle’ soundtrack was complimented by marvellously picturesque fireglow as we roared along the Avon Valley at line speed!

I have to say the atmosphere on the train was very reminiscent of the early years of the TE. Packed coaches, loads of families with children having a great day out. The locomotive performance aspects are perhaps not as varied as the TE but so be it; surely this type of train has to be a way of securing a future for mainline steam. If the kids remember a happy day they’ll keep coming back.

Can I also say that a proper buffet car is such a good idea on trips like this. People can wander to the buffet whenever they like, have a chat on the bar seats etc. Just adds an extra something to the experience.

A certain well known past-steward was on the train and the first Brewham Challenge speed was 37.9 mph!

 

I managed to get out at Lunch and tea time and got these pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/owenchapman/sets/72157627438097998/http://www.flickr.com/photos/owenchapman/sets/72157627438097998/
Thanks to Steamage for location advice. Hard to beleve the evening location also once had the S&D in the foreground.

 

The S&D really does look wiped from the map there, can't even make out a telltale formation/embankment.

 

You may not be looking in the right place ! The S&D formation is actually still quite easy to spot at the point where it crosses over the top of the GW ML more or less at 90 degrees. I may be wrong, but I think it is just out of shot in Owen's pictures (ie not in the foreground ?). The S&D formation runs into a cutting to the north and on a prominent emabankment to the south.

David

 

Not been there for some while (mental note time for another visit to Cole!) but I think from memory and the trees that the evening shots are just to the south of old S and D - will have to go and have a look in the autumn when time allows! DH

 

Selection of on train footage and departure from Bath:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGRyuCj61mg

 

A great day spent chasing a GWR Castle all over the place! The weather played ball for much of the day so can't grumble. Started off at Keynsham. Moved on to Bruton and then on to Maiden Newton. 5029 seemed in fine form. The return was filmed at Upwey among the usual crowds and a final shot at Castle Cary. Enjoy!
[video]http://www.youtube.com/user/gwrsteam?feature=mhee[/video]

 

5029 near Bath on a cloudy morning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/sets/72157627357876621/

 

It was mentioned at Bristol TM this morning that the Weymouth Seaside Express series of trains would not be running next year because of the 2012 Olympics.
Is this a fact or simply speculation? At Weymouth, the Olympic games take place between 29th July and 11th August with the Paralympic games between 31st
August and 5th September. <BJ>

 

As the games are only on for two weeks i would be surprised given the popularity of this years runs if they do not run before or after perhaps as paths will be difficult during the duration of the games.

 

See the following link:
http://www.visitweymouth.co.uk/index.php?resource=394
Presumably the only dates available would be the 15th and 22nd July, 19th and 26th August., 2012. <BJ>

 

Considering on some weeks this year they are running into South West Wales, would if not make sense to utilise the Olympics weeks to visit Tenby or wherever the destination is with Weymouth running on the 'free' dates ?.

 

Bristol TM was packed this morning with passengers awaiting the two steam departures. As well as the WSE, this week's TE with the Duke was well patronised. <BJ>

 

Not a lot of mention for 5029's last run on the WSE this year.

It was a great day. A good steady climb of Evershot on the way out was followed by what was probably the quickest accent of Upwey by 5029. We left Weymouth slightly late and after a rapid accent of Upwey and Bruton banks we had made up a lot of time by Westbury, although a stopping train was let out in front. This however did not hinder fast running between Westbury and Bristol.

Outward Crew: Driver Mel Cox and Fireman Simon Scott (of 6233 fame)
Return Crew: Driver Dave Hewson and Fireman Dean Morris

 

Certainly sounded nice passing me on Evershot.......will post a video when I can get the damned PC to work!

I had to move from my chosen location due to a farmer insisting on chopping a load of bushes down,so I moved down the bank to another foot crossing about 1/4 mile away. Got rid of the sound of the tractor but the downside was I was wrong side for sun.

The fot is available here....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark-walker/6066962509/in/photostream


Thanks to Nick Parry for helping me find the locations.

 

Re no WSE next year, i understand there won't be much stock around next summer as ther will be a lot of charter stock needed for special loco halled trains to Olympic venues

 

Here's a link to a photo of a happy Dvr Mel Cox and some of 5029's support crew at Westbury during the pathing stop.
Thanks for a great day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64053959@N06/6070093213/

Her's a link to my other Weymouth Express photos in no particular order
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64053959@N06/sets/72157627494706802/

 

Surely the Air Con MK2 & Mk3's that DBS, Riveira, WCRC and Cargo D have would be first in line for any Olympics Charters and Vac braked stock or Mk1's would be pretty down the list ?.

 

Don't forget Weymouth is the venue for some of the events in the Olympics. It will also perhaps be the case that while different stock may be used for the extra trains planned as reliefs, the same crews as used on steam may be needed. That said, neither reason would to affect more than a few weeks - unless there are changes to the layout at Weymouth to be made for the Games that will be in placew for a longer period and cuase difficulties for running the WSE.

I think we should all accept that our hobby will be hit in terms of income and general public interest by the Games and whichever bladder kicking contest takes place in the same even year as the Games!

Steven