Cathedrals Express - 23/07/17

Times out for Sunday

Paddington to Weymouth (diesel from Yeovil)
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50574/2017/07/23/advanced

Light movement Yeovil to Weymouth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50577/2017/07/23/advanced

Weymouth to Paddington
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50579/2017/07/23/advanced

Good to see more steam facing the right way on Upwey bank!

 

Looking forward to this - am booked onto the return leg only. Anyone know if the box is being removed at Eastleigh/Weymouth?

Looks like it'll be a good run.

 

Fast Line running, Langley to Kennet Bridge Junction?

Edit: And for the return?

 

From lack of LE moves in RTT , sadly seems very unlikely. Would also need an extra path which presumably costs money.

 

When a West Coast operated train needs a diesel for whatever reason (in this case to take the train from Pen Mill to Weymouth while the steam loco is turned and serviced at Yeovil Jn) they do usually leave it attached for the whole time. In this instance I assume it will be on the back from London and run round at Pen Mill. How much it will push through Upwey remains to be seen, but we may hope for something similar to 8th July:

 

Around 6 minutes down at Twyford but going very well. A group of walkers were waiting for their delayed Reading train and when I said there was a fast steam train coming through on the down mainline, they all perked up and embraced the moment. As I walked away, one of the ladies thanked me for giving them notice of the train and was amazed that steam trains could go so fast!. Oh, the joys! Downside, as No. 9 came racing through, my I-phone 6S ran out of memory and that was that, no vid. Looked great though.

 

As seen passing Southcote Junction this morning.

 

As seen this morning at Southcote Junction.

 

Approaching Frome. Meant to be 2nd shot on avoiding line but 60009 went through the station.

 

Not quite so sunny at Upton Noble in Somerset. After the train had passed we had to wade through flood water to return to our cars.

Despite the rain Union of South Africa blasted up Brewham bank hauling 11 coaches with no assistance from the trailing class 47 diesel.

Well done to West Coast. <BJ>

 

Diverted via Frome station so that a late running Padd - Newquay HST could pass .....bloody cheek.

<BJ>

 

Down ML Burnham, 47 dead on the rear, not even a heat bloom

 

That may be how it appears but if, as it seems, the usual vacuum braked Steam Dreams set is being used then the 47 has to be manned and running, otherwise the loco brake would not release.

Peter James

 

Rather murky and damp at Crofton this morning, but 60009 made a fine sight as she rushed pass the assembled crowd of photographers and on-lookers!!

 

A few from today:

Twyford




Kintbury

 

Two shots from me this evening. Not my finest efforts, but a record nonetheless of the tour. Foxhills crossing, near Ashurst, and Shawford are the locations.

 

Running early tonight and it made a fine sound hammering up the bank from Mortimer. Didn't sound like the 47 on the back was helping!

 

Three clips from today's run , first from very wet Socks Lane bridge at North Brewham , second light engine at Bincombe tunnel and finally blasting up Upwey Bank bettering Brauntons performance a couple of weeks ago .

 

Seen at Castle Cary on the outward leg. https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/35724319950/in/dateposted-public/

 

A bucket list shot of mine! Alas work got in the way... great shot though, well and truly jealous