Cathedrals Express, 44871, Alresford to Yeovil Jct, 17/12/18.

At least it's on the back …..so far.

I suppose that it was inevitable that a diesel would accompany the charter at some point as it's required to haul the train back from Salisbury to Alton in the evening.

Does anyone know how many coaches are present at Alresford for the charter? TIA. <BJ>

 

9 I think. Too wet and dark to walk up and count them now! Plus support coach to be added at front tomorrow

 

I don't know for sure, but I imagine 8 or 9 would be the max. permitted for a 5 over the Hampshire hills?

 

Just been up to check. surprisingly difficult in the dark but 9 coaches + diesel in (and beyond) platform 1 at Alresford

 

10 coaches (including the support coach) is the same load for 44871 as last week between Salisbury and Yeovil. To give the passengers a section of diesel free mileage the diesel could be dropped off at Salisbury on the outward leg then be ready to replace 44871 in the evening for the return to Alton.

Just trying to be positive..... <BJ>

Update: Now showing on the system as load 10.
44871 + 99035, 5216, 5200, 9104, 13440, 99121, 99127, 99128, 1666, 5237 + 47.746

 

Left Alresford a couple of minutes late

44871 departing Alresford by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

I'll be waiting for it at Salisbury. Hopefully so will the tanker full of water!

 

Hammering though Dunbridge at lunchtime. Diesel didn't seem to be assisting!

 

At Salisbury.

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44871 arriving in Sherborne. https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/32483811188/in/dateposted-public/

 

My footage of her galloping away from Guildford on a cold misty sunny morning and passing through Lockerley plus the nearby church. Enjoy.

 

A few shots from today:

Approaching Bentley Station


At Godalming Station


Near Tisbury

 

The return steam charter is being held at Tisbury as per the schedule. The service train that it should have passed at Gillingham has been terminated at Salisbury. A replacement Salisbury to Yeovil service train will pass 44871 at Tisbury loop.

Sadly, earlier in the day a person had been hit by a train at Basingstoke. The station had to be closed and many services were cancelled or delayed. <BJ>

 

At East Grimstead.

 

I filmed the outward journey climbing towards Aldershot this morning but haven't had time to upload the video yet.
Had to go to Woking for a hospital appointment for my Dad this afternoon and we ended up being stuck at the station this evening. SWR is in complete chaos over the whole of it's network sadly due to a fatality at Berrylands just before 9.00 this morning. Loads of services were cancelled. Alton services were cancelled until 17.50.
Not sure if the return journey of this CE is going to be affected but it is a nightmare out there tonight. I was so bored waiting I even ended up taking a picture of a diesel to pass the time:

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Ah so it was you sat at the end of the platform then, popped in on mine and my work colleagues lunch break to see 871 doing the honours, his picture wasn't as good as this!

 

Yes, decided to stay at Salisbury end this time even though sun was on other side when I arrived! Good shout in the end as the sun went behind the clouds about 5 minutes before train arrived!
Sorry to hear about problems further east. It does seem as if these sort of incidents are getting more frequent?

 

Wow... What anincredible sight well done!

 

Arrived back at Alresford about 2 minutes ago - loco now at bottom of my garden