The Oxfordshire Explorer, 21st Nov

Times for Saturday's VT trip to Oxford are now on UKsteam, though not in RTT (at least, I can't find them). I'm surprised by the 5 mins stop at Hanborough on the way out, which is on the single-line. Maybe there's something ahead waiting in the loop at the junction that they have to wait for? The 40 min wait at Oxford North in both directions is rather unfortunate for the passengers - maybe Ben is trying to do something about that, and that's why it's not in RTT yet? ECS will be parked in the loop south of the station, then loco and support coach turn on Foxhall/Didcot triangle.

 

The Hanborough stop is for passengers to visit Blenheim. I am concerned about times not being on RTT

 

I think RTT may be broken, as their are quite a few trains which are certainly in the system but are not currently showing in RTT.

David

 

Times now on RTT. The morning run has a dreadful path throughout so at least I can have a doze while we are waiting to get onto the single line sections!

Don

 

But you can't take the name "Doze" as that was taken by a gricer way back in the 1960s!

Hope you and all others on board get a good day our tomorrow.

 

Indeed it was and maybe he will be on the trip. So I will stay as 'Gricer' then?

 

A diesel is required for the turning operation at Didcot. Will the diesel run with the train all day or will it join it at Oxford? TIA. <BJ>

 

Ah. I've now studied the timings. There was I thinking that the whole train would turn at Didcot. <BJ>

 

The Oxfordshire Explorer drifting along the up goods loop at Wolvercote today behind Rood Ashton Hall. Picked here as a) trying to find a shadow free location and b) I hoped the trees would give any exhaust or drifting steam some shelter from the strong northerly wind

Looks nice with the matched stock and water carrier - credit to all involved

Gold and Green by Stephen Dance, on Flickr

 

Pedant mode on! Can we make that "notate bene"?

 

My footage of Rood Ashton Hall storming through the strong chilly wind, filmed at Fernhill Heath Foot Crossing and Mickleton Road at Honeybourne. Hope you enjoy.

 

Starting off from a signal check at Charlbury, strong wind keeping the exhaust vertical.
Interesting headboard - Who is Tilly? Happy birthday to her!

 

Tilly is Alistair Meanley's daughter

Don

 

And if you don't know who Alistair Meanley is well you should

 

The splendid Meanley Family of Tyseley....... God bless 'em.

 

The weather was bitterly cold and windy at Chipping Campden today but it was well worth the wait. Rood Aston Hall sounded superb as it blasted up the incline ......a superb sight in the winter sunshine.

Many thanks to all involved. <BJ>

 

Entering the tunnel

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124047467@N05/22552056394/in/dateposted-public/

 

My effort from yesterday at Shipton-under-Wychwood : http://cliffjones.zenfolio.com/p377540729/h6bb4bd0b#h6bb4bd0b