Vintage Trains: Plans for 2018

Would that be a reference to 4965 “Rood Ashton Hall” which was rebuilt using parts from 4983 “Albert Hall”?

 

That would be quite Rood...

 

Just my guess, from the reporting number in the post before mine.

 

Mmmm.
So:
Clun Castle,
Bahamas,
Rood Ashton Hall or
A diesel.

Fancy those odds. Although it’s a 300 mile round trip, might go for it after all.

 

4965 at Stratford on Avon Parkway today, 09 10 2018

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25640353@N05/45152031482/in/dateposted-friend/

 

The gamble paid off.
Ray Churchill on the regulator:

 

How was the performance through Wilmecote? Will go there later if any good or has gauging played its part again?

 

Shut off at the top of the bank. Walking pace through the station. First time Rood Ashton had been through the platform since the coping stones had been ground back.

 

Went out to Whitlocks End to check whether steam or diesel. Couldn't get on to NP website as it was a bit on the blink to report back.
Anyway here's a photo of RAH about to cross the M42 on its the return trip.
You can just see Ray (red neckerchief) with Alistair hanging on for dear life.

 

I chatted to a member of the support crew and, apparently, VT want to run Shakespeares four times a week during the holiday season.
Capacity issues on the Hatton to B’ham route would mean using the North Warwickshire Line in both directions.

 

Is 4965 being used on the second train?

 

Yes.

 

Thanks. Off to film the return trip at Stratford-Upon-Avon Parkway, will hopefully release a video later..

 

The red neckachief is back...

A legend of the railway world, back in seat of a Great Western loco



Later seen through Wilmecote



Only when I got to Stratford did I realise I had everything packed but the camcorder. So settled for the DSLR, of which was thankfully on the back seat!

 

One from this afternoon's return.
Approaching Bentley Heath crossing.

 

Here is my video of 4965 accelerating through Stratford-Upon-Avon Parkway:

 

I spy myself at the end of the other platform! Not every day I can come and see some mainline steam on my way home from work. Great to see Rood is allowed out to play again on this route at least, I thought 7029 would be the priority given that the Castles seem to have better route availability - 5043 was doing all the work for VT prior to the recent hiatus. So Clun's test run must still be to come.

 

This is fantastic. I'm gutted that I couldn't manage to get a few hours off work to see it! A GWR loco pulling a rake of chocolate and cream coaches is once again running on the mainline, and in the hands of the legendary Mr Churchill no less! Superb.