Vintage Trains 2024

Great catch at Stapleton, plus more sun..........

Fortunes totally reversed there Ian, I was just below the tree-line of the hill in the back ground....... in the shade. Enjoy the rest of the weekend,.....and the cake............

Cheerz,

Alan

 

Oh well - some you win...
...most I lose!

Not been a bad day overall
Off to see a Marshall steam tractor that's moved to the area tomorrow

 

After a mammoth day out, Vintage train’s ever reliable Castle Class No.5043 heads for home through Albrighton.

 

The returning train at Oakengates, again after dismissing a number of places further west, and making a smoky approach to Albrighton with the exhaust creating shadows within itself.

 

Here's my footage of 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe roaring up Llanvihangel Bank just after Abergavenny on the return leg of the Cathedrals Express. I hope you enjoy it.

 

...and a bit further up Llanvihangel Bank at Pandy.

 

And now from us who were on the train. We all thoroughly enjoyed some super stack-talk from 5043. Given we were on amber fire risk there was still only limited interference from the rear gunner. Thanks to all at VT for all the hard work on an incredibly long day' 'in the saddle' for them but one that is right up there for us seated for the steam haulage, sight and sound (WCR note). Neil

 

Agree with that, we were at the back, in a Tourist open coach, next to the47, and heard little loco sound but we were certainly flying.
The tour was brilliantly organized: we were kept well informed and the affable stewards were always on hand to help and advise. We were informed of the safety rules on the handouts and verbal announcements. Stewards attended the doors, no inside handles on them, and they unlocked them when they received a message to do so.
At Ludlow, with its short platforms, we were informed where our coach was when joining as the lettering bears little resemblance to the ordering, and were marshalled to a particular door to alight. On the way back they promptly brought out a ramp for a elderly couple who were concerned about the gap and height differential between the coach and the platform ( there was of course proper provision for the disabled elsewhere ).
We were very impressed.

 

Timings for Sunday's SE from Worcester. Outward goes via Lickey and New Street to Hatton, then reverses for the diesel to haul the final leg into Stratford. Return goes via North Warks Line and Snow Hill.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U15557/2024-06-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U15560/2024-06-30/detailed

 

My pictures of Saturday's trip
rain grabbed as best I could as a passenger. They arearriving at Ludlow,
leaving Cardiff Central ECS for servicing at Pengam and, on the return, paused at Hereford and about to leave Ludlow.

 

Turning whole trains has become more common now. I was on the Midland Pullman S&C/Cumbrian Coast tour on 12th June and the whole train was turned on the triangle at Carlisle. So even on a train where there is no need to faff about uncoupling and running around locomotives, turning the whole set was still seen as the easier option.

 

That sounds ridiculous. On the plus side, it saves the poor driver having to walk from one end of the train to the other

<BJ>

 

Was that a planned move or because of an issue with one of the drive cars?
Turning an HST at Carlisle seems to be a more complicated move than just shuttling to Upperby and back.

 

I didn't ask, but I believe it was planned. This is the link to the movement.
https://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U14499/2024-06-12
I'm no expert on the track layout around Carlisle but Upperby Up Goods Loop to London Road Jn would involve going around the curve wouldn't it?
Anyway, we're drifting a bit off the topic of VT here!

 

I just have one complaint, you decided to run the best two steam trips of 2024 on dates when I’m on holiday! Hopefully there will be repeats in 2025.

 

The reversal at Hatton would require a diesel on the rear I believe. It'll be interesting to see what happens, this will be my first VT tour so a little unfortunate if it is affected by the recent hot weather.

 

It is currently orange diesel assist in NR Central and after the fires caused south of the Thames this week we have to take care. But the Worcester SE is still planned to be Castle hauled with the 47 on the rear (needed to haul the Hatton to Stratford leg), but expect banking up the Lickey. NR seems to be reverting to green again in time for 7029’s first trip to Scarborough. Both trips selling very well