Cotswold Venturer, 70013, 10/02/18

Given how long it took to wrest control of 70013 back from Bressingham, just be grateful that the loco has returned to the main line irrespective of anniversaries. It made the 40th anniversary but had its return been delayed with the 50th in mind, some people would still have complained.

 

Not at all ungrateful, just a bit sad it will be available until not long before and then again hopefully not long after the anniversary. For me its slightly of the "you had one job" scenario but its no biggie and its been great having it so far.

 

Anyone know if Cromwell's passed its FTR today????

 

At PAD. Diesel detached. Load 11.

 

Slipped a few times getting away from Pad. 43 by Old Oak; 48 Acton ML; 50 Ealing Broadway; 57 Hanwell; max 60 NR Over. RT Slough.

Burnham 53; Tallow 57; Maidenhead 57; max 61. Reading RT.

52 through Pangbourne; 65 Goring; max 72 before Cholsey. 2 late into Didcot.

Spike Hodges driving.

 

Good away from Didcot. Ray Poole driving. Nth Jn 36; Culham 52; Radley 61; max 65.2 mp60 1/2.

At Water Stop 2 early.

 

Standard class at front lovely Brit bark as she was opened out leaving Tilehurst. Got very emotional watching her come through (I was 4 the first time I saw her and had a footplate ride at Bressingham with my Dad and Grandad and have loved Steam ever since) One of those times you wonder why you hadn’t booked on it! Hey ho first mainline steam seen for 2018 - roll on the rest of the year and a big Thank You to ALL who make it possible for us to watch and travel behind these wonderful locomotives.

 

Thanks for the times and speeds Shireman, she was certainly opened out between Tilehurst and Pangbourne as she was down to virtual walking pace through Tilehurst station and could be heard echoing down the Thames valley for quite some distance.

 

Dreadful weather but a fantastic show from the Brit and its crew working away from Shipton. Hope to see some footage later from any of the video guys who were out braving it there as well.

 

Our old friend Les was quick to announce at every pickup point that this is the only proper steam hauled train with Cromwell b4 its mainline ticket runs out. Sad but true... Great for us.

 

Arriving into Worcester. More photos to follow later.

 

We think they forgot about us at Oxford. When we did leave, 11 down, we got to Wolvercot Jn. in 6 mins at 36; reached 60 b4 Hanborough; hit the double track at Charlbury at 69 but got checked near Ascott and were stationary for 4 mins. Mr Poole opened 70013 up and we passed Shipton at 42; Kingham at 64; max 71 b4 our stop at MiM. Fun after; 68 by Blockley LC; 71 into Campden Tnl; max 72. Slowed at Evesham, 46; 70 through Pershore; RT at Worcester Shrub Hill.

 

Certainly looked and sounded good approaching Culham this morning!

 

In view of the water stop at Oxford, I decided to head north. Seen here arriving at Moreton-in-Marsh.

 

11 late up sapperton. Great thrash in the gathering gloom. Slight slip just before FM viaduct but stormed all the way to the tunnel in fine form. Video - Well more like sound recording in the dark - to follow later.

 

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and have only recently (approx. 4 years ago) found interest in and love for British steam engines and railways. Also my first and only encounter with a heritage train here in the UK was by coincidence at Edinburgh Waverley a little more than a year ago.

So as I was going from Denmark to London with the family for holidays this weekend, I was really glad to find that The Cotswold Venturer was leaving Paddington this morning. Perfect timing.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for a most informative and inspiring post in this forum. Especially a huge thanks for the precise times and platform info, which have made my first planned spotting in the UK possible!

 

Very good 32.1 into the tunnel.

 

That sounds like a very good climb indeed with 11 on - be good to know the cutoff used as I assume full regulator and also whether the boiler (and fireman - never forget the fireman!) were holding their own against this effort.

 

Great run on board today. All delays due to NR. Cromwell on top form. Climb to Sapperton sounded great from the third coach!! Congrats to all for a great day out.