Saphos 2024

Braunton looking a treat this morning, into Taunton early from the WSR. Given the late running GWR Padd Penzance train; it left Taunton 16 e, vice scheduled dep time of 1000. Mrs Devonbelle on the train with my Father in Law; from Bristol - she’s said they are both very impressed with the service in 1st and the presentation of the train. The Mark 1s (with CDL!) looked a treat running into BTM behind the 2 green 37s.

 

The Kingswear Saphos train arrived Kingswear 30 early before midday today. With regards to return train, Left R/T, then Ran very early all the way to Taunton this afternoon. Then more or less, as per timings to Bristol. Mrs Devonbelle very smitten with train as to its Turn out today. Few pics below; just low-res. my copyright

 

I wasn't quite so keen on its early running, as I missed filming it at Dawlish in the morning -- I was walking casually to my spot knowing I had plenty of time, when it glided past me -- then very nearly missed it again on the return! it did look good, though, I'll give you that!

 

Here's my footage of 34046 Braunton hauling the first English Riviera Express of 2024 filmed on Whiteball Bank at Nynehead. The day was incredibly hampered by very early running and a diesel on max power on the return leg at my planned location. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

34046 Braunton on the English Riviera Express 4.5.2024 at Bradford on Tone

 

At least it appears they were let into to Taunton and I assume were able to get off the train whilst there for a leg stretch of around 30 minutes, rather than having to spend 85 minutes in at Taunton Signal E481 which I think is in Freshwater Yard.

 

Me too, missed seeing it at Paignton by 3 mins. Saw the note in RTT that it was calling at Paignton 1618/1621 to pick up passengers, don't think it can have done as it passed 17 min early! Fortunately several similar trips coming up through the summer.

 

Timings for the Welsh Marches Express this coming Tuesday 14th of May:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U10916/2024-05-14/detailed



https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U10922/2024-05-14/detailed


Cheerz,

Alan

 

Oops moment there Alan , outward is today's Chester timing:-

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U10916/2024-05-14/detailed

Scott

 

I assume Braunton Tuesday for the Marches trip?

 

Well spotted Scott, was still a wee bit under the influence this morning when I mouse-clicked copy and paste from the Rail Advent page....... Can I blame them.......?

Cheerz,

Alan

 

Yep, at the mo', according to the Saphos website.

Cheerz,

Alan

 

With the safety valves roaring, 34046 Braunton traverses Sutton Bridge Junction, Shrewsbury on the return Welsh Marches Express this afternoon:




Cheerz,

Alan

 

Braunton today on the first of the seasons Welsh marches trains.
Northbound passing the distinctive Craven Arms signals, from the less usual eastern side because of the strength of the south easterly wind.
Southbound between All Stretton and Church Stretton.

 

Seems to have been seriously delayed on the way back. Left Hereford nearly 90 minutes late. Does anyone know what happened?

 

Tree on the line, apparently.

 

Church Stretton

 

Front of the A4 doing its best rainbow impression this morning, with an array of lamps and headboards and colours on show.

 

Do we know what's hauling the Welsh Marches run tomorrow? According to RTT it's something coming up from Bishop's Lydeard to Bristol as usual. As far as I know that's 61306 unless any other LSL locos are now at the WSR.

I would expect that if it's 61306 it will need "assistance" over the Marches.