The Saint David, 1/03/17

Also last year on 14th Feb, The Red Rose was to return via Sapperton but diverted to Bath to Swindon due to load restrictions.
Been awaiting this return to my area for ages, I was on the trip in 2009

 

It was a shame that it didn't run via Sapperton but on the plus side, it didn't have a diesel tagged on the rear. <BJ>

 

There may be grounds for some optimism here - for both photters and timers alike. Sunset time for Stroud is given as 17.45 on 1st March, and the first of three phases of twilight ("Civil Twilight") then extends to 18.18, so probably still likely to be enough daylight around on the assumption that an 18.28 arrival in Swindon would imply something like an 18.00-18.05 passage of Stroud/ Golden Valley and the Sapperton approaches.

(source: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/@7293670?month=3&year=2017)

Plus the RPS website's summary of TSR's applicable for next week is still only showing a restriction in the Down direction at MP97, so unless there is some good local intelligence to the contrary, there seems to be every good reason to look forward to a notable performance from Tornado on Sapperton (and a notable spectacle to boot!).

 

Fingers Crossed

 

Out via Bath not Badminton. Times up on RTT.

 

Hence the longer journey time - and hopefully an entertaining climb of Horfield Bank...

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54865/2017/03/01/advanced

the moves around Cardiff are up too:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50635/2017/03/01/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50631/2017/03/01/advanced

and the return to PAD:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54866/2017/03/01/advanced

 

Paddington to the water stop at Bristol East depot Don.
Got another Southern man with me as well, Jim Clarke.

 

Ah top team then Wayne. See you on Wednesday

 

Edit - Brain fade - ignore me

 

6 mins after the departure of Tornado from Pl.11 at Paddington.<BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54868/2017/03/01/advanced

 

The LE move was on RTT before the ECS and the tour itself!
Any chance of a trip via the new Acton diveunder on the way back - or is that banned to steam?

 

As were the Cardiff movements!!!

 

Its not shown to, shown Relief Line.
But there is nothing mentioned in the restrictions, so no reason it couldn't.
Up to the whim of the signaller.

 

Stock in Hanwell loop with 2x 67. RTT showing Tornado 67L off Stewarts Lane. Is there a problem?

 

Breakfasting in Mad Bishop and Bear wondering the same...

 

The trip has been mentioned on the BBC Bristol television news.

All very positive and informative gen including details of the passing time at Swindon.

Not the best weather forecast for today but rain or snow, we'll be out to see it. <BJ>

 

On way. 63 down at Willesden

 

Due to failed GBRF freight at Mitre Bridge early this morning

 

Stewards advising that stock now due PAD 09.45

 

Away from Pad 48L.