RTC -Worcester Christmas Market - Nov 29th

Fairly academic now 34067 is back, but an A4 probably could have substituted for 34067 on the RTC Bath Christmas market special as 60019 hauled it in 2008. (I travelled on it - a really good day out.)

As for the Sussex Belle on Tuesday 9th, my guess is that an A4 would make it to Eastbourne without clouting anything. Clearances on the LBSCR main lines are not too tight. The only possible issue might have been at Lewes with the sharp curve through the station for trains to and from London. East of Eastbourne is another matter. Bopeep tunnel might be a bit tight and although the most restricted tunnels on the Tonbridge-Hastings line (Wadhurst and Mountfield) have now been simgled, along with Somerhill and Strawberry Hill, I seem to remember when the line was electrified that Wells Tunnel (North of TW Central station) had to have something unusual done to it (can't exactly remember what) to accomodate both double track and wider stock, so it's probably a bit tight. After all, it was the tight clearances on the Tonbridge Hastings line that led to the building of the Schools class.

As a rule, steam in the preservation era on the former SECR lines, apart from Reading-Redhill, has been largely confined to Southern and BR standard types - various Bulleids, both Britannias, 73096, 75069, 30777, 828, 850, 80079 and 80080. The only other locos that fit and have paid a visit so far are a number of black fives, Tornado and Blue Peter. I guess we'll know soon how gauge-friendly a B1 is, but as for an A4, unless someone fancies running it between the eurostars on HS1, I don't think we'll see one in Kent, sadly.

 

In and out of Reading on time.

A lot of changes in the landscape both sides of the station now.

 

Come friendly bombs.... (but not yet)......gently easing out of Slough

and into the gloom....
Untitled

 

Here is Driver Churchill at the controls of Union Of South Africa at Reading station today. Diesel on the back just idling with the driver, unusually hanging out of his window! And the second clip of the man who has made it all possible. John Cameron also at Reading prior to departure for Worcester.





Nick

 

'09 rushed up the grade into Cholsey, thundering through the station at speed & putting on a tremendous show, even depositing a lump of coal at the feet of an awestruck youngster.

 

Here is the train passing through Twyford, and departing from Oxford, no great shakes in either location though:

 

Away from Worcester 1615. The WCRC diesel has been left behind at Shrub Hill

 

Sprinting past Lower Moor between Evesham & Pershore on the outward leg in full sun: http://daviddepperphotography.zenfolio.com/p342696263#hdc101c3

 

I wonder if the crew know?

 

The A4 pulls away from Oxford this morning.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25640353@N05/15719458050/


AB Rail

 

A couple of shots of 60009 leaving the sidings and then departing from Worcester Shrub Hill

 

A couple of shots of 60009 on today's run to Worcester. Seen running through Sonning Cutting, then powering up Sapperton Bank.

 

Lol, I pondered long and hard about trying Sapperton at night, thinking it might be a dark old shot!

 

I concentrated on the fives today and had guests for dinner so couldnt go to Sapperton. Nevertheless managed this reasonably atmospheric clip just south of Ashchurch. The slightly late running here resulted in missing the best of the limited twilight. Thanks to all on board!

 

My effort at Swindon

 

Further footage from Goring.

 

Nice vids

Seen here at Didcot North Junction - does anyone know what the signalling farce was all about ? 60009 spent ages at the signals waiting for the road and was then let out in front of the Hereford HST while that was approaching slowly on the avoiding curve.

Didcot Streak 1 by D1059, on Flickr


And the arty crop in B&W making the most of the steam heating

Didcot Streak 2 by D1059, on Flickr

 

if D1059 means the signal chaos in the morning there were signalling problems that affected all trains, not just ours, then there were reports of cows on the line, anyhow we made up the time and arrived in Worcester 2 minutes early, the return trip from Worcester to Swindon was absolutely brilliant about the best run I've had with steam on that line, brilliant performance from Ray Churchill and USA.

 

A post on WNXX suggests the 47 was repeatedly shutting down and so was ditched. It is still at Shrub Hill with hammering being heard coming from within the loco