Vintage Trains 2023

Two Castles and a Manor!

 

Just ahead of the Big Day for the Four Castles outing, with non-stop passes through Oxford being scheduled both southbound and northbound, the most recent non-stop run I can suggest was the northbound "Return to Steam Celebration" (Cardiff-Birmingham Snow Hill) in 11th June 2022. My notes from the day record that Clun Castle, Load 9 (including REG and LMS Inspection Saloon) plus D1755/ 47773 passed through the centre of Oxford Station at 63.0 mph, and with the benefit of this flying start went on to cover the ensuing 22.9 miles to Banbury in 24m 07s, including a 30mph slack at Tackley.

Sadly I can offer no view as to the extent to which the 59 year old contributed to the performance of the 73 year old, but lets just say that a good time was being had by all!!

Tomorrow will, I'm sure, be a thoroughly memorable day, and I hope it proves to be an outstanding success for DRC and Vintage Trains, and an enjoyable one for CBS passengers travelling from Birmingham, visitors to the Didcot event, ands linesiders alike; we look forward to getting some great coverage of the days events.

 

2 Castles (& no diesel) away from Brum, on time.

 

Oh, that's a fairly recent development and, as you say, spoils it for northbound shots. Ho hum.

 

Just a screenshot from my phone video, but they looked and sounded fantastic passing through Banbury this morning.

For the VT staff who read the forums, my thanks to the driver for whistling well in advance, and I heard comment (which I agree with) from another bystander of how well presented both locos and stock were.

 

Can anyone recollect the last time we saw double headed Castles ? I'm guessing Nunney & Earl Bathurst ? 2004 or 2008 ?

 

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Leamington Spa, unfortunately in full dull.

 

Could of been a disaster with that Northerly wind, great shot !

 

5043 & 7029 rolling back the years through Leamington Spa. Looking forward to the potential spectacle up Hatton Bank later on.

 

Nothing dull about that - cracking shot of a preservation first!

 

Aaah my birthplace..never saw two castles double heading.

 

Indeed ...superb...let's hope the trip has made some "brass"...I now live in Yorkshire...

 

Not the first time for double-headed Castles in preservation though. Nunney Castle and Earl Bathurst worked from Taunton to Penzance back in May, 2002. <BJ>

 

Great video. Looks odd to see Alistair Meanley on the right side of the cab. So used to him being on the left. Fireman no longer!

 

Thanks for the photos and videos. Two wonderful machines in top condition, by the sound of things. It's interesting to reflect their vary different histories - 7029 being famous for its remarkable Plymouth-Bristol run in 1964, then hanging on to be the last Castle in service and straight into preservation. By contrast, 5043, in spite of one excellent performance on the Bristolian in 1958 where it hit 98mph, was withdrawn unceremoneusly in 1963, sent for scrapping and was initially purchased only as a source of spares. Quite a contrast!

 

Kings Sutton, early and going like the clappers.

 

Approaching Banbury, quite a few on the bridge waiting for them!

 

Go back to GW150 in 85 with 5051 and 7029!