The Bath and Bristol Express 18/03/17

Times are up on RTT for this. RTC's website says a Black 5 will be on the front of this, not 34052 (as per UKSteam). Given there are only 2 Black 5s that are currently main line registered, that narrows it down to 45407 or 45212, unless 44932 emerges from Carnforth in the next 5 days!

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54707/2017/03/18/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54710/2017/03/18/advanced

James

 

2 SD trips had 45407 listed, but now state 45699.

 

45407 moves south on Thursday. See LE movements thread.

 

45407 moves to Southall on Thursday 16th. Also 45212 is moving to Grosmont the same day.

 

Wonder if there are seats for a short Salisbury-BTM return?

 

If only to experience the joy of steam on the main line, a much shorter journey may be available between Bath and Bristol return, as the majority of passengers leave the train at Bath.

Just a thought. <BJ>

 

But it's the Bath-Salisbury bit which is the highlight of the day - the best scenery and in the return direction, the climb of Upton Scudamore bank, the only serious gradient of the entire day.

Incidentally, 45407 was originally rostered for Steam Dreams' Gloucester trip next Tuesday (21st) and not for this train. Now the motive power for next Tuesday is to be Galatea according to the SD website. A lot of lengthy Loco + support coach movements in the offing by the look of things!

 

Its all to do with Air brakes, Vacuum brakes, Support coaches and ensuring compliance..

 

Thank you for the explanation, sir. I shall look forward to seeing your fine engine and maybe your good self on Saturday.

 

45407 through Redhill with the empty stock. No diesel on the back.

 

http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/classic-steam-locomotive-arrives-in-worthing-1-7872390

Love the comment at the bottom!

 

That's a good bit of factual reporting from the press for once

 

Hedge End

 

Going well at Limpley Stoke!

 

Very powerful image. I see it's already fitted with it's Fort William shed plate ready for the Jacobite season

 

45407 departed from Bristol TM on time hot on the heels of the class 67 diesel hauled Belmond Pullman.

The Belmond Pullman is very nice but the '5' with it's 10 maroon coaches looked superb.

I saw the train blasting out of St. Annes tunnel on the outskirts of Bristol. Very impressive.

Thanks to Ian for the use of his engine and thanks to everyone else for organising and running today's railtour. <BJ>

 

45407 passing Claverton Pumping Station

 

Avoncliff in the morning and 2 shots climbing to Upton S

 

My video from today, captured at Hedge End this morning and Mottisfont and Portchester this evening. Nothing special video-wise from me, more of a record from the day...

James