Pannier Rambler to the SVR - 11/11/17

There's still going to be 4x panniers at the SVR though. Won't quite be the first time though. In 1997 the SVR had an impromptu Pannier tank weekend with 5764, 7714, 9466 and 1501

 

A pleasant trundle down to Stratford behind an all stations stopper.

Top n tailed to Stratford, 9466 now run round. Load 8 plus water carrier. Looking forward to climb up to Wilmcote.

 

36 mph thro Stratford Parkway fell to 30 on the 1:75 and recovered to 36 thro Wilmcote.

Max 44 under Edstone Aqueduct dropped to 32 at Wood End and recovered to 34 at Earlswood. 39 max after then checked.

Now watering in down thro at Tyseley.

 

hello
bunker first stratford kiddy yuk !!

 

Half hour late into Kiddy SVR waiting plat. Very rushed break. Long queue at bar. Pity as plenty of interesting stuff on sale. Massive lost business opportunity.

Lots of slacks on SVR but nice romp up to Eardington summit.

Now at Bridgnorth.

 

The move into the platform after the 14.00 to Bridgnorth had departed was as per the plan in the SVR Traffic Notice. Not sure why we couldn't have gone into the platform asap and then held the footplate experience in the loop, but I guess there was a reason for making us wait.

 

Some images from today (from the footcrossing near Edstone Aqueduct, approaching Henley-in-Arden and leaving Blakedown)

 

Just to clarify that the train was dragged back into the platform at Kiddy SVR by veteran diesel shunter 12099. Water carrier was left behind at Kiddy while train went to Bridgnorth.

On return run the panniers detached to water and collect the water carrier.

Back on to NR metals on time but poor path following all stations stopper from Stourbridge Jn. Not held long enough to let it get ahead so checked on Old Hill bank. A few slips, but never in trouble.

A good day out, but a pity not longer at Bridgnorth or indeed at Kidderminster under revised timings.

Holding hundreds of passengers on a train in a loop rather than have them spending money in your bar, cafe, shop and stalls didn't make much sense to me.

 

Some pictures from the lineside today. My highlight of the day was a moment I didn't photograph - seeing the pair dash though Blakedown station on the return, wonderfully atmospheric!


Approaching Wilmcote this morning.

Heading towards Danzey.

Shunting on to the train at Kidderminster.

Ready to depart Bridgnorth with the return run.

 

Love these photos, have to ask though, why on earth there's no more tank engines on the mainline! I have a rough idea why but are we not missing somthing like having a standard tank on the big railway?

 

Much better.

 

I'd love a Fairburn tank myself!

 

I could live with that. Any tank engine with a bogie under it's ar....um...bottom, makes for an impressive looking beastie.

 

Probably because water & coal capacity limit their range without servicing to around 25 - 30 miles. Hardly compatible with the other traffic on the modern railway.

 

Not a great photo but does show 3 panniers at Bridgnorth. 1501 was in the yard

 

Action from the Mainline Ducks

 

Avery good day out going round the Midlands

 

A day I really wish I hadn't gone out. Dull flat light and engines wrong way round.

 

Couldn't agree more. All that effort we put in to get out there, and no appreciation from non-contributing photographers. Did you by an chance subscribe to the Valley's recent share offer to enable a turntable to be installed at Bridgnorth?
Regards
Bob