Saphos Trains 2020

The perfect weather for a seaside trip. 34046 seen at Balham in the morning sun. Also 47805 on the Victoria bound ECS.

 

Very reserved progress under green signals through Hooley. TSR, loco defect or just the very lax timings, I wonder? Nice to see steam back on the southern, though.

 

Think I caught a glimpse of Jim Clarke.

 

Filmed at Frant:

 

Steady climb out of Tonbridge this morning

 

Amazed the 47 didn't assist - 34046 was sure-footed enough, but crawling at the top - well done that diesel driver for not caving! A light pacific on a curved 1 in 47 with 13/14 coaches equivalent weight - well done.

 

Currently waiting time at Hastings.

 

By "assist" I really meant 'shove' - nice to see steam given its chance.

 

A lovely, noisy climb of Ore Bank. Dug in at around 8-9mph from the Hastings stop. If there was any assistance, it was backstop in nature, and didn't do enough to increase the speed. Also plenty of chatter on the gradient after Ham Street.

 

When was the last time a steam loco departed Hastings bound for Ashford via Rye?

 

Probably 34067 on a Cathedrals Express circular back in April 2007 I would hazard a guess, unless anyone can remember one subsequently?

 

There was plenty of chatter all the way IMO, so much so I commented to Dad that Braunton is very much an understated loco. It doesn’t come out too often but when it does it does it without much fuss, but creates a memorable occasion much the same.

 

A good day out, with lots of now unusual stretches of line and travel in unusual directions for steam. Not only that, but plenty of hills and sea views. The weather really capped it all off, and an almost on-time arrival has made for a quick exit from The Smoke for the long drive home.

 

After a six month steam famine in the South, it was great to see Braunton in the sunshine at Penshurst.

 

It was great to see the return of Southern main line steam yesterday. One remarkable feature of yesterday is that two ex-Bournemouth 71B rebuilt Bulleid Pacifics were in action in the Tunbridge Wells area at the same time as 34053 Sir Keith Park was undergoing gauging and testing runs at the Spa Valley Railway.

It was a shame that the generally decent weather didn't oblige for the return out of Eastbourne. Still, never mind; like those who have posted, I got my picture in the sun from a crossing near Nutfield station - although only just!

Full marks to Saphos for running their trains in these challenging times and for lifting a lot of spirits down in this part of the world. It will be interesting to find out what is in store from them in the south of England next year. The company has gone for a mixture of tried and tested routes such as Settle-Carlisle and Bristol-Kingswear but also, as with yesterday's Sussex Belle, has been willing to try something different.

 

Someone at Saphos must have read your mind - revised nameplate / headcode discs locations for the return trip.
Seen at Pevensey & Westham, where the spectators / gricers on the platforms and footbridge must have outnumbered the passengers on the train!
Well done Saphos!

 

Well, eventually arrived home at 01:30. Here's a couple of record shots from a great day out in the South East.