VT Cotswold Explorer 18/05/19 & 1/06/19

Times available in RTT:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10501/2019/05/18/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10502/2019/05/18/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10503/2019/05/18/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10504/2019/05/18/advanced

Sadly, I'm otherwise occupied most of Saturday, so won't get to see this one

 

I'm on this. My first run with Clun Castle since 1977 and over routes I've not covered with steam. A bit of an early morning trek from Surrey but I'm sure it will be worth it.

 

We are on the 0516 Southampton Airport to pick it up at Birmingham Snow Hill

 

I'm on this too, my second Cotswold Explorer trip with 7029 this year. I booked on the one in April after the Tornado trip to Devon on the same day got cancelled, but had by then already arranged for my booking on the cancelled March one to be transferred to this May one. Another 5 hours in Oxford to kill! Anyway, I'll be joining coach G at Worcester.

 

We are also in coach G, but returning home after Oxford. The Four Candles in Oxford is where we eat when we are there. Two Ronnies fame ''fork handles' ?

 

Having enjoyed your meal in the Four Candles, Don, take a look three doors along at the old City of Oxford School where Ronnie was a pupil. Years later, so was I!

Peter after a beautiful sunny day in Manchester

 

There's lots more to do in Oxford than some steam tour destinations, though it doesn't present its best face to the station. I recommend climbing one of the church towers for a view around the rooftops. Try St Michael-at-Northgate, at the north end of Cornmarket. Carry on up George St from the 4 Candles, turn right onto Cornmarket and it's on your left. My favourite part is Broad St and the area south to the High St: Sheldonean Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, New College Lane, Bodlian Library, more carved college facades than you can shake a stick at, most with wysteria overflowing their walls. If you want more interesting pubs than the corporate Whetherspoons, try the little White Horse on Broad St or Turf Tavern tucked away between New College Lane and Holywell St. Leave yourself enough time to walk back to the station, though - it's further than you might think!

If wet, try The Ashmolean Mueum at the corner of Beaumont Street and St Giles. It's free. Something in there for almost everyone. Don't try to do it all in 5 hours though!

To see a different side of the town, turn right (west) from the station, cross Osney Bridge and walk beside the Thames. The Punters by the river on Osney Island (formerly The Watermans Arms) does good food. You can either walk all the way to Folly Bridge and Christchurch Meadow, or cross the old railway bridge and walk beside the Castle Mill stream to the shopping centre and the Castle. Park & Ride bus 400 passes the station (so do many others).

Here's a map to help you plan your afternoon: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=451322&Y=206172&A=Y&Z=115 Enjoy!

 

A post by Ben on Facebook confirms that 7029 is "ready for duties" tomorrow, so the FTR has obviously been passed.

 

7029 with 47773 on the back left Solihull a minute late. Not sure of load yet but light. Damp cold day

 

Shame about the diesel

 

Load 7 plus water carrier plus 47773

 

No need to worry about assistance with that load, even if you're running late. I think it was 24 into the tunnel on the April trip, but the load was 12/13.

 

Yes but damp with drizzle. No great effort so far but we are running to time.

 

Going nicely past frampton mansell. Diesel appeared to be only idling

 

26.5 min on Sapperton no DL. 78 after Minety, 77.4 Uffington

 

My contribution once again 7029 at oxford and a bit on good driving from ray churchill on time all the way.
Davo 56F.

 

An edited video still from Frampton Mansell. Lovely sound, as usual!

 

I agree. Clun Castle was going very well towards the tunnel.

I can confirm that the diesel was not helping in any way. <BJ>

 

Managed to pop out quickly to Culham, result below. 7029 working well away from Didcot West Junction, could hear it coming for a good few minutes.