Vintage Trains 2023

Yes, quite agree. So apart from the double chimneys, has all been done before. [BJ]

 

What a climb of Hatton!

 

Agreed, it was special !

 

5029 and 5043 did a tour 16th May 2009, I saw them at Chepstow.

 

VT are marketing it as the first for double chimney Castles.

 

Here's my footage of 7029 Clun Castle and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on their runs to the Four Castles at Didcot event. I filmed both of the at Kennington and Yarnton both near Oxford. The Video also features Pendennis Castle and Earl Bathurst with the two Tyseley Castles together in the special and rare lineup. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

Absolutely first class presentation VT , and I hope it has generated a profit for the company. Again...superb day...

 

My footage of 5043 & 7029's stunning climb up Hatton Bank on the return leg of the trip.

 

My dad's video from Budbrooke on the climb to Hatton

 

Keep those Hatton videos coming! It was a privilege to have experienced that from the second coach, we were down to 16mph at the bottom after a signal check, went over the top at 62mph... The chimney music was sensational, pure exhibition of power..

Some top class running on both directions, cruising at around 70mph for long periods. And what a line up at Didcot, which was packed - brilliant to see.

Thank you VT for a first class day out!!

 

Indeed.

They launched a patrons appeal on the train to raise £500,000 towards site development and new carriage workshops (amongst other things) - hopefully this gains a favourable response.

One carrot dangled is priority booking on an unassisted, double headed castles trip over the Devon Banks to Plymouth some point in 2023..

Looks as if Didcot did very well out of this, hopefully they can return the favour in some way!

 

Double Headed Castles, Private Charter, 5043 and 7029, 4th March 2023.
Filmed approaching Culham and at a foot crosing near Claydon.

 

Saw the Castles at Tackley this morning, just a grab while on my way elsewhere. Unfortunately didn't to catch up with them this afternoon, but great to see them this morning - good work by VT!

 

As someone who’s not really a GW fan, this is making me go all a little LMS pacific like

 

We all know Great Western engines look the same!
In all seriousness whilst not a massive GW fan I’ve really looked forward to finishing work today because I knew there would be something nice to come home to (unfortunately she has a headache)

Double headed Castles have been a pretty decent substitute though
Well done to those at in Brum and Oxfordshire for getting this one sorted.

 

Not much good lighting-wise, but a nice day for sound.

 

A massive thanks to all those who have posted up pics and videos. I’ve got goose bumps here from that sweet, sweet music! The only way you can top the sound of a four cylinder beat is to double it…x2!

Thanks again.

 

Some footage of the 4 Castle line-up at Didcot yesterday, plus, 5043 and 7029 double heading on the mainline at Yarnton.