46100 Horsham - BTM 26/04/17 Cathedrals Express

Times on RTT

Outbound: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50539/2017/04/26/advanced
Return: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50540/2017/04/26/advanced

Outwards via Berks and Hants, return via Chippenham

 

Seems to have lost 40mins around Willesdon. Signal check or something else?

 

We were told on board that it was a signal failure in the Willesden area delaying the loco change.
Just at the Newbury water stop now.

 

Thanks for the update. Is there a diesel at the rear? TIA. <<BJ>

 

Yes 47760

 

Now held outside Bath apparently due to a bridge strike ahead.

 

Now on the move, being told aim is still for return trip to depart on time.

 

Close run thing with the HST!

 

Apparently we have picked up some GWR refugees from Bath to Bristol.
Just arriving at BTM

 

Hostages?

 

Thanks to Royal Scot and Network Rail for holding the train at Bath for an hour until the sun appeared at Newton St. Loe.
Lots of happy smiling faces in the crowd. Hope all aboard have a very good day. <BJ>

 

Away from Bristol 3 late, pretty good all things considered.
Unfortunately for those of us in Standard, the whole train has been turned and we are still at the back next to the diesel.

 

Past Sydney Gardens 17.00.

 

There weren't many smiling faces at Crofton as the sound of the engine was completely obliterated by some idiot following it in a helecopter!

 

Rumour on the train is the chopper is something to do with Jeremy Hosking, it was following us all the way from around Slough on the outward journey too.

 

There was a report of a helicopter following the train at Freshford on the outward leg. By the time the train reached me the helicopter may have been low on fuel.

On the return I saw the helicopter follow the train from Keynsham towards Bath. A helicopter makes a drone look pretty insignificant.

JH was hoping to film the Torbay Express last year along the seawall but due to weather conditions it didn't happen. Perhaps he chose to film the train today instead. <BJ>

 

Looking good in a brief burst of sunshine at Old River, Loddon Nature Reserve, Twyford.

Silent diesel on the back.

 

Arriving and departing from Bath on the return. Fortunately it was in the sun, unfortunately the helicopter was there.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/g4vvz/34156365241/in/dateposted-public/


46100 in Bath

 

Royal Scot on the way in.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/34131063392/in/album-72157681006152241/