60163 CathEx Newbury-Cantab Tue 26th March 2013

I see from UKSteam.info that this train actually starts from Woodborough DGL at 06:53 as ECS (5Z78).

 

Quite a bonus that they've managed to get this excursion onto the Reading Waterloo line in the Rush Hour ! Although I see that the train is scheduled to stand outside Reading station for 10-15 mins on the East Junc. But must then, I assume follow a WaterlooElectric to Clapham. Good reason I suppose for pick ups at Bracknell, Ascot and Staines so it doesn't have to crawl along instead.

 

Spot on time at Earley this morning.

 

Over the Thames at Richmond at 0937.

 

60163 Tornado with Cathedrals Express at Earley 26 Mar 2013 001 - YouTube Short vid at Earley this morning. We need some warmth from somewhere !!!!

 

Not sure of the purpose of the "Thing". As said, not there for heating & Tornado ran ok after the brake problem was sorted the other day. If it was a broken pipe as mentioned, anything on the back would not make any difference anyway.

Actually, looking on UKsteam the box was supposed to be detached at Woodborough.

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t13/t0326a.htm
Bottom of timings.

 

There was the lightest of snow flurries blowing down the river when I took this. Brrrrrr...

Crossing an icy Thames at Richmond

 

Through Ashford bang on time 11.49

 

Here's a clip of her at Martins Heron having just set off from Bracknell, blooming heck it was cold this morning:

[video=youtube;YN2k62aMED8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN2k62aMED8[/video]

 

Good one.....and I don't think its got any less cold since she came through !!!!

 

Leaving a very cold Bromley this morning. Something seems to be missing in the photograph - can't quite put my finger on it . . .

 

Back through Ashford on time

 

Through Walmer Station earlier and up the hill, and yes it was still freezing, especially after she had to wait fifteen minutes just up the line.



Chris

 

Through Chiswick station around 13 late.

 

Realtime Trains

 

Steamy sight at a chilly Chiswick station tonight:

[video=youtube_share;3VM_vZT53cU]http://youtu.be/3VM_vZT53cU[/video]

 

Last Saturday was the last Saturday for steam at Reading for nearly 2 years and tonight was the last for steam during weekdays, and would you believe it, not an enthusiast in sight and yet one dad with his young son, when told that Tornado was coming delayed his train back to Pangbourne just to see it which was very heart warming.
You all missed a very emotional arrival and departure at Platform 7 with long blasts on the whistle arriving and departing to reflect the dearth of steam for a long long time at this station.
I gave inspector Geoff Ewans high-fives on arrival and he confirmed the extended whistle blast was because it was the last for some time. Him wishing my team Plymouth Argyle good luck in staying in the football league, he hopped back on the foot plate and with that long whistle disappeared off to Newbury.
I promise you it was emotional and I am sad more weren't there to see it.
Nick

 

Nick

The last for nearly two years will be The Cheltenham Flyer featuring 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe - Sat 11 May 2013.

Paul