Merchant of Avon - Summer Sundays

Sunday’s times up (reflecting the missing Birmingham runs)

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea...8/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

A diesel in consist could’ve opened up an option to run the final run to Hatton or Warwick to run steam chimney first back to Burton. Pathing permitting opens up an enthusiast appeal (Hatton Bank) but on a certain discussion forum it opens up a different argument

 

Indeed and ideal for us. Localish, affordable, sensible start time, attractive destination for wives and families. A much easier 'sell' then the Pennine Explorer which I'd love to do of course.

 

And/or Carlisle has one of the best small Cathedrals in the country, the Citadel, the Tullie House Museum with a surprisingly good permanent collection, Winifred Nicholson etc, and often interesting exhibitions--- and a good cafe for those not fixated on Spoons. I don't know if there's a Margaret Forster/Hunter Davies walking tour, but there ought to be. Given its size, Carlisle is a surprisingly good place not full of tourists. On a rainy day, the second hand bookshop down the road to the Citadel is a good place to spend time in if you're that way inclined.

 

But you can only go so many times before The Management start to complain

 

Does anyone know when the 8F is moving to Burton?

 

Saturday taking the scenic route due to the West Coast being closed

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55563/2019/07/27/advanced

 

The monsoon conditions around Burton have eased slightly as 48151 romps up the bank at Elford with the first of Mr Smith’s ventures to Stratford upon Avon. No sign of lineside fires !

 

Looks pretty grim there Mr. W. Hope you didn't get too moist.

 

Approaching The Lakes on a grey overcast day.

 

The Lakes ?? - where is that.

 

It's on the North Warwickshire Line, between Earlswood and Wood End, near where the M42 meets the M40

 

I thought this might happen. The 8F just went past me at Hatton North Jnc on the turning move... a tad earlier than the original timings, but then they did have 4 hours to play with

 

Used to be called The Lakes Halt.

 

Just romped through Wooton Wawen. Looked plenty of passengers on board.

 

West Coasts 8F No.48151 battles through the rain at Elford on the first of the Stratford trips of the season.

 

48151 absolutely smashing Wilmcote Bank on the return leg of the tour.

 

Exiting Wood End Tunnel on the return.

 

Only one empty table in J and that was a no-show. Ralph W doing a sterling job stewarding.