RTC 2023

Indeed 0Z44 visible on maps - that’s a good start to the day!

 

+9 late away from Challow following the first water stop, also waiting for the delayed Down Plymouth to pass before we had the Right Away.

 

A maximum of 65mph so far, just before the slight rise in gradient at Oaksey Halt, 58mph through Kemble, +12 late. Very much enjoying the soundtrack.

 

40mph into the tunnel and over Sapperton.

 

Certainly looked and sounded good from the bridge just before the tunnel!

 

72mph through Ashchurch, fastest so far, slowing now for Eckington loop.

 

Incline? What incline? [BJ]

 

At the signal gantry at Worcester Shrub Hill

 

Bill Monteith on the regulator for the journey back to Paddington. +2 late away from Shrub Hill.

 

The Cotswold Venturer, 45699 Galatea, 18th February 2023.
Running as 45627 Sierra Leone.
Speeding through Ashchurch.

 

Bill knows his stuff. I had the privilege of being on the footplate of Bahamas, Worcester to Kemble last year with a similar load. He worked her over Sapperton at the limit of adhesion on a wet rail without using the sanders. A very memorable day

 

Vacuum lost on the run up Sapperton. Hampered efforts somewhat. 12mph into the tunnel.

 

Didn't bother with the gradients of Sapperton, went for restart away from Standish and for the fast running along the racetrack away from Cheltenham. Sounded superb, not a wisp of leaking steam anywhere. The return run was more of the same as the Jube roared down the long straight away from Abbotswood. Must of been good on board.

 

45699 roars through Eckington with the return leg of the 'Cotswold Venturer'.

 

Wow two different Jubilees in one day

Accelerating from the Eckington stop across the River Avon and from Abbotswood Junction on the return.

 

here's my footage of 45699 Galatea roaring up Sapperton Bank in both directions, one being a very loud and fast run towards Worcester and the other a pretty dramatic, but otherwise amazing soundtrack back to London. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

https://twitter.com/hwfirecontrol/status/1627029459181137920?s=61&t=Rt1BE0W1oALeZGJngcYTPQ


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

45627 storms Besford (Worcester) on the return trip




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Making a great soundtrack through Cholsey tonight, just about got away with a Class 800 nearly blocking the view!

 

Yesterdays Shots of Galatea at Tilehurst, Kemble, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Ashchurch for Tewkesbury and Reading