29th Oct Cathedrals Express - 6201 Hanwell to Worcester

Timings for this tour have now appeared on RTT: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...9/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

On the return, the train's allowed 24 mins from Honeybourne at 1657 and Morton In Marsh at 1721. That's about double what's needed. Odd. Should we expect it to run early, even if it then has to wait at Charlbury to pass the GW service to Hereford that's due at 1741?

 

I see there are LE moves from Willesden to Southall : http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54673/2016/10/29/advanced and back : http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54674/2016/10/29/advanced

Hopefully another diesel-free experience? If so, things are looking up,very rare for CathEx to run without assistance!

 

Possibly, but there may be diesels at both ends out of Rainham, with just one removed at Willesden ?

 

RTT says right time away from Willesden SW Sidings, where I assume the loco change happened. Has anyone seen it yet?

 

Through Culham 4 late, Going well. Dead 47 on back

 

Going well at Didcot North Junction this morning - sounded good as well!

 

Over the river

 

Very poor lighting and visibility, a difficult location acoustically, but none the less really pleased with the way this turned out.

Culham

 

Can't be 'dead' when running on vacuum brakes. Not assisting perhaps.

 

Going like a dream on approach to Campden Tunnel. Will gamble Campden bank on the return and fingers crossed there's not too much pushing from the rear !

 

That a Steam Dream pun?????

 

If you are going to be pedantic, you can't run on brakes.

 

No ! none of their tours go like a dream anymore !

 

Lizzie sounding well on the money up Campden Bank albeit with the dreaded draincock going off ! There was also a couple of slips too. The diesel was just taking it's weight with only a light rumble heard as it passed me at the tunnel mouth. A very dull day weather wise, but a bright performance from the Princess

 

Diesel wasn't running at all when it left Worcester

 

Got a couple of images as she approached Honeybourne on her way to Worcester ....... Follow this link to view.........http://rickeborall.zenfolio.com/p415786456

Regards to all..........Rick

 

The third shot is the 'keeper'.

 

Nearing Campden tunnel on the outward journey. Looking at UK Steam I think today was the last steam tour planned to run over this line in 2016.