English Riviera Express 30/6/19

No thread for this one that I can see,
Outbound times:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55121/2019/06/30/advanced
Return times:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55122/2019/06/30/advanced

Saphos website says 34046 is running it.

 

Definitely Braunton up front... 57 through Keynsham.

James


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Braunton looking good through Sydney Gardens this morning with 11 blood and custard coaches in tow.

Although not traditional I really like the headboard !!

<BJ>

 

Whiteball tunnel approx 46, great sound... first time I’ve actually heard Braunton make noises like that!

Tiverton Parkway 71

James


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Way better than the 16th into Whiteball. Close to No.9's 47 on the RTC Dartmouth Express on the 8th. Do you know who the crew are?

 

To be honest I didn’t look. If I catch a glimpse as we leave Paignton I’ll comment...

EDIT: missed the crew completely, sorry.

James


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Not sure where all the photters/togs were today, I counted only 6 at Newton St. Loe (there are usually upwards of 20 there, and I was the only one at both Upton Noble and Whiteball (a local driving past Upton Noble in a car slammed the brakes on when he realized what was happening and watched her pass from his car, and 6 locals turned up with 10 mins to go at Whiteball more or less just to watch)

As I missed the earlier tour this was my first chance to see her back as Braunton (instead of Lord Dowding) - the town crest does stand out above her nameplates.

Here's a few shots from all 3 locations.

 

Weather was poor this morning stopped me getting out of bed much better this evening so will be heading out.

 

Tiverton 67
Whiteball 57 (min 55)
Exeter (Plymouth end) to Whiteball tunnel (pass to pass) 19m30sec
78 max down the other side before the brakes came on.

In the last coach... and all done on two iPhones so take the results with a pinch of salt.

Talking of condiments, the main course has arrived.

James

 

Seen at Bathampton, Trowbridge and Witham Friary on the outward run and Castle Cary, Frome and Avoncliff on the much sunnier return.

 

The race to 75 was completed shortly after Keynsham...

A very good day, and one I’ll write about in more detail tomorrow once I’ve finished work and had time to edit some photos.

Thank you to everyone at Saphos for their incredibly warm welcome and @Will RL for the extra ticket...

James

 

My video of The English Riviera Express with 34046 Braunton taken at Teignmouth and Tiverton Parkway.

 

Very impressive. Saphos are really beginning to stand out from the crowd with the quality of their offering.

 

I’ll let James do the talking, but a few things to say for the trip;

To me, steam hauled railtours mean mk1’s, not mk2 coffins... combined with the cheaper prices offered and the want to sample Saphos for myself meant I purchased a couple of dining tickets. Small matter of who to take, James wasn’t given the choice...

To the day. Braunton brought in an immaculate set of coaches, 11 on the hook, no diesel. Coach A, right behind the loco! On the outward, Braunton was heard well and appeared to be in fine form, especially when topping Whiteball at 46mph and the climbs after Newton Abbot. On the return, despite being 11 back now, 34046 could still be heard accelerating away and on the banks, quite the sound from a supposedly quiet loco... the scenery was amazing also - the weather certainly enhanced it!

I did have a look at the mk2’s, and while looking immaculate inside and out, the whirring air con and sliding doors didn’t really appeal to me and I can’t imagine much would’ve been heard above it all. I won’t be looking to travel in first or standard class until more mk1’s appear.

The experience of first class dining was really something else. Crewe have done a terrific job on their coaches and the staff were always on hand to make sure everything was ok. Food was delicious and well presented. I would definitely recommend pushing the boat out for this experience!

 

I was at Keynsham station when Braunton came blasting through. An amazing sight with the late evening sunlight (20:47) glinting along the side of the train.

Thanks for the gen about the actual speed of the train at Keynsham. I'm looking forward to your report of the day.

I also managed to see the train at Sydney Gardens on the outward, still a classic location, and at Berkley (Frome) on the return. The weather was certainly preferable for the return leg. <BJ>

 

Dawlish and Cockwood Harbour.