Bahamas 2021 Railtours

Evening All,

If anyone would like to have a look, I've put a couple of 4K videos of BAHAMAS yesterday on my YouTube channel. The first one is the full length video and includes the supporting cast of SWR trains as well as BAHAMAS in the starring role.

The second one is an edited version with all the modern stuff cut out and it just features the Jub. So you can take your pick!





TTFN,

Ron.

 

We very much enjoyed our day on Thursday, best wishes and many thanks to the staff and volunteers responsible for the trip and those who turned out Bahamas in such immaculate condition. She performed beautifully and seems to have won a lot fans in the south. She is a credit to the society.
Yes it was disappointing 31806 didn't appear (& still not clear why), however, that was a small part of an excellent tour otherwise. The class 47 kept its nose out of business as far as I could tell and 45596 ran very well when it had opportunity, a top speed of 76mph outwards and 74 on the return via my GPS.
Not knowing this part of the world very well I hadn't really got my head around the route until the day - this is a very interesting itenary and very good value for money, offering over 300 miles of variety. I'm sure Weymouth is a lovely destination normally , but yesterday it chucked it down!
As for Covid regulations, let's say I'm glad to be back in Wales where common sense seems to be far more common - England it seems is a complete free for all and this reflected people's actions on the train. Having your own space via a table makes a huge difference and I would urge all those who are cautiously minded to do the same.
What I will say was all the windows were open on arrival and remained so all day, so the train was very well ventilated throughout. We felt safe and comfortable at our table (which was also at the carriage end - so close to the open door windows too) and had an enjoyable day.
Ironically, the tube and buses were also excellent, with mask wearing at about 80 to 90%, it made them a pleasure to use.
The train home was a different story..

 

Interesting what you say about Covid, we were not allowed to do any merchandising on board and were restricted to two of us selling the raffle tickets on the return journey ( I was the one with hair!). I don’t know if there was any announcement about wearing masks when moving around the train but some did and some didn’t. All of the Society members had to take a Covid test no more that 24 hours prior to the trip .
On the Tube and Overground services I used mask wearing was about 60%

 

Ah, you sold us our tickets - my daughter was the one with the train spotting book! Probably just as well we didn't win, was wondering how we would get a cast number plate home to Wales via public transport..
All occupants in our carriage put masks on if they left their seats and the good ventilation was key. All well and good if you are party of 4, very different scenario if you are not - but I guess you accept the risk if you book from now on.
Didn't notice any announcements, but there was some limited information with the tickets.

 

Yes I remember you, I believe I said it was good to see it was good to see one so young being ‘educated’ properly. Thank you for your support

 

The loco is credit to you all, our pleasure. Have made a purchase of a book too.

She took the spotting very seriously, we had to write the number 45596 in though, book didn't seem to contain 'proper' locos!

 

Thanks but not really a credit to me, I live in Buckinghamshire so only get to help out when it’s down south. My other engine is 35028 situated where I can get my hands dirty every now and again.
I think you can get a spotters ABC for preserved motive power.

 

Timings are now available for the West Somerset Steam Express on 14th Aug.,2021. <BJ>

1Z52 Realtime Trains - 1Z52 0759 London Paddington to Minehead West Som Rwy
1Z54 Realtime Trains - 1Z54 1726 Minehead West Som Rwy to London Paddington

Not forgetting my favourite move ....0Z52 Realtime Trains - 0Z52 0807 London Paddington to Southall Wcr

 

Looking forward to riding behind Bahamas on Saturday. I remember the sad state that she had become at Ingrow while waiting for work to be done. No-ones fault as these jobs cost a packet and a bit more besides. What matters is she is up, running and giving joy again!

 

23rd September. London to Cardiff via Sapperton.

This tour will now be hauled by Bahamas and B1 61306.

https://www.steamdreams.co.uk/tours.php?tourid=72437 <BJ>

 

45596 'Bahamas' dep Paddington 07:59 on time. No diesel . <BJ>
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63007/2021-08-14/detailed

 

Arriving at Slough, standard class at the front.

 

Bahamas at Reading platform 13

 

Great that the diesel has been left behind and some spirited running so far.

But why is Bahamas off the platform at all stops so far that provide a photo opportunity for the paying passengers. Just a few feet back and it would work. Too much to ask?

 

Yes, better to draw up to the signal and ensure as many doors on the platform as possible. It also ensures track circuit overlaps behind the train are cleared.

 

Like they don’t have a photo opportunity as it arrives?

 

At the Frome water stop, not easy to take a photo through a fence.

 

An enjoyable trip so far, some good running between Newbury and Westbury, and Frome to Taunton in mid sixties to early seventies.Just leaving Bishop's Lydeard behind 7822 and 7828.

 

A fair point well made.

Not been to West Somerset before. Didn't realise the length of the platform at Bishops Lydeard. Bahamas had hung off Paddington and Reading. So a pleasant surprise.

All credit. They put up a great show at BL with the loco changeover. Foxcote and Odney Manor in charge to Watchett.