Vintage Trains 7029 to Llandudno 04/05/19

7029 gets away from Dorridge.

 

...and passes Searchlight Lane, just north of Stafford...



EDIT: This is a new upload, the first was done with a new program which produced disappointing results.

 

Passing Chester Racecourse this morning.

 

Where did the disused line on the left go too please

 

It was a four track main line most of the way to Colwyn Bay.

 

The return at Chirk Viaduct.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/46985272644

 

A fantastic sight and sound between Chirk and Gobowen, could hear her coming for a long time before the train came into view.

 

A considerable amount of vegetation clearance was needed for this shot of 7029 passing over the Shropshire Union Canal at Northgate Locks this evening. Just before the sun was swallowed by that moody sky above, all present had hearts in mouths as the minutes late ticked on! Luckily the NENTA tour to Norwich Thorpe had passed minutes before for a clear road on the ex-LNWR lines.

 

Yes, a decent run between Wrexham and Shrewsbury. I felt there were only two instances of assistance - Gresford Bank because we were stopped at the junction at the base of it, and the foothills of Wellington Bank to get away from Shrewsbury. Regardless, 7029 seemed to be comfortable at accelerating up the rest of the grades with REG in tow, and running at speed.

Took the chance to bail out at Birmingham rather than Tyseley to get home earlier for today's run with another operator, and allowed for a couple of photos. The train to Tamworth to collect my car was standing room only.

 

Nice to see steam in Llandudno itself again, the LMS line up at the Junction seems an age away, but 2 steam through was rather good.

 

7029 approaching Llandudno signal box yesterday, bringing the ECS into the station for the return journey.

 

Hmmm, VT trains are getting shorter.

 

Ray has asked me to say that absolutely no assistance was given by the diesel on either Gresford or Wellington bank.

 

Should think not with that light load!

 

Thanks to you and Ray for confirming. Must have been the sound of the ballast settling or something. All in all, a good trip.

 

I was thinking that too. 2 brakes and 1 of the pullmans is part kitchen so equivalent of less than 5 coaches - hard to see how that is making money for VT?

 

Good to see the Pullman's returning. Won't need to use the Riviera Stock so the Class 47 won't be needed for ETH. Be interesting to see how long it stays a feature of the trains. I'm sure it is causing people not to travel with them. It is us and most folk we know; though we are giving the 25th Welsh Marches a try.

 

The tour programme indicates plenty of Dorridge starts, so you could expect expect the diesel on rear possibly till the autumn at the earliest.