60163: Paddington - Hereford. 24th November.

If it is diverted via Bath, they could maybe take water at Challow loop, (used before), to top up, and pass the Bristol area, (not regularly used for water stops), without stopping. After that, could they water at Maindee EJ if necessary ? I think that's been done before, though not for a while, but presumably access is still available ?

Time will tell, and I wouldn't be surprised if they took the booked route in the morning, as it should have been dry for some time before the next band of rain, due from around 9am. It's the return more likely to be affected in my opinion, and they should have more time to plan for that, if it proves necessary.

 

That would work if two water tankers are available tomorrow. However, I have a feeling that the one used to fill Britannia at Magor might be the same one booked to fill Tornado at Parkway.

Interesting to try to work out the possible permutations. We'll see what happens on the day!

 

Chipping Sodbury still closed with more rain forecast i would think it unlikely that it will reopen in time for Tornado

 

Updated at 15:51. <BJ>

Chipping Sodbury: Down Main: Water still 50 mm/2'' above rail head. Up Main: Water level with top of rail head.

Possibility that some of the ballast may have been washed away.

 

I hear on the grapevine that Tornado is re-routed via Bath tomorrow, with the water stop at Bristol East Junction. Given Bill's information, that's no surprise. I don't have any revised times, though.

 

Interesting. Looking at NR Live Deps / Arrs, trains are running via Chipping Sodbury this morning, albeit at reduced speed. Diverting the CE would still make sense I guess, in order that pressure on that section is reduced. Shouldn't add much to the overall running time either presumably, and keeps watering arrangements for this and the "Yuletide Borderer", much the same as planned.

 

Left Paddington on time

 

Swindon - Bristol Parkway (First Great Western)

Because of flooding, trains between Swindon and Bristol Parkway are being delayed by up to 60 minutes.

<BJ>

 

2 early past Southall

 

We are going the booked route.

 

We are going booked route

 

''Has reopened overnight but how long for due to rain heading from the south again''.

Thanks to Driff47844. <BJ>

 

Departed on time from Twyford

 

On time Reading

 

@FGW have just confirmed CS route still closed so CE could have special dispensation.

 

Arrived Swindon on time

 

Tornado in the gloom this morning at West Drayton, chasing a turbo down the line, running approx 4 early.

Steam Railway Photography in the UK | 60163 Tornado - Cathedrals Express 24.11.12. | _DSR3800

 

Here are a couple of stills from my video at Twyford, which is just uploading

 

Arrived at Bristol Parkway 11:27

 

A few screenshots from my video at a rather foggy Ashbury Crossing near Shrivenham, she looks bloody lovely in blue

Video to follow later once I've filmed the return and got all the footage edited and uploaded to YouTube.