RTC Three Bridges to Bath: 14/12/24

Although rather a long way from home, it was a good way to end 2024's touring. A fairly unusual route along the South Coast, and 35028 looking immaculate as usual. It was good to bump into various NP members again.

 

I rather wish that I had done this tour to right a "wrong" that fate dealt me back in 1966, a story that I often bore @Bulleid Pacific with. That April I frequently saw the then steam hauled Brighton - Plymouth train and decided to travel on it as it couldn't last forever. So I spent precious pocket money on booking on the train to Salisbury on Tuesday 3rd May on my way back to boarding school in Somerset. This instead of going on the (free) school special from Paddington. I even met my sister off the train hauled by 34098 "Templecombe" at Brighton on the afternoon of Saturday 30th April.


With eager anticipation I walked down Platform 2 at Brighton three days later, only to find a Crompton diesel (thats a Class 33 to you youngsters) on the train. With no internet and media that reported 2-3 month late I had no idea that on the Southern the steam heat season ceased at the end of April. This was the only reason that the train had been steam hauled all winter. So not only have I never (yet) had steam along the coast line west of Brighton but my sister to whom it means nothing was on the very last scheduled steam service into the town. Grrrrrr.

It was a trauma that scarred me for life

Peter

 

Both West Coast and LSL have operational generator cars, these are operational decisions not to use them.

 

Indeed. I don't think LSL ever ran without a DL after the Kent incident with Britannia a few years ago. I don't know what it is with WCRC and genny cars, I don't think I've ever seen one of their trains with one.

 

I managed to get one picture on my way to Salisbury, not ideal, it's at the foot crossing on the approach to West Grimstead. the unexpected clearing sky meant the sun on the wrong side

 

They've run two Lickey trips without a diesel on the Bristol Forty excursions and a couple of Welsh Marches runs. Their most recent solo operation was a Steam Dreams Welsh Dragon UK tour from Holyhead to Crewe a few months ago.

 

That must have been some time ago! I regularly used to take "The Geri"* 33x2 hauled Brighton to Paignton in the early 80s. Usually changed at Southampton or Salisbury for some more loco haulage.

* I think it referred to the age of many of the passengers

 

Superb photo John. From the sunside it looks like you could have had a mix of sun and shadow over the loco, and the exhaust wouldn't have been as good, as the shadow this side enhances it. Plus the old platelayers hut adds to the photo.

And if big brother @gricerdon reads this post, he may well remember the many hours we spent sheltering from heavy rain in a similar, but better condition lineside hut, to end up with one shot/sequence of a diesel on the front of a steam hauled train. Not in this country.

Bryan B

 

From what I saw a couple of weeks ago the LSL "Chairman's Train" had TWO generator cars in it as well as a diesel on the back. Obviously taking no risks when it came to keeping Mr H and his friends warm!!

 

Thanks Bryan, it also makes the awful stock less conspicuous

 

35028 Clan Line making its final appearance in 2024 on the charter yesterday, captured at Preston Park, Shoreham-on-Sea, Funtley Lane & Mottisfont & Dunbridge on both outward and return legs

 

A shot to be proud of, enhanced by the period hut. The 'wrong' side sun gives drama and helps to disguise the stock type and liveries!

 

Yes, it would be lovely for photographers to have no rear diesel, and for some on-board purists, but I do wonder what proportion of the travellers care either way, especially as the stock used becomes ever less authentic. Maybe it is a high proportion; I just have no feel for it. I imagine the whole-life cost of a generator car will have been compared with diesel hire, and the capital cost of generator car conversion may be beyond the available funds for many operators to stump up, even if the overall cost would be lower. 'Belmond' has the capital, that's for sure!

 

Indeed yes it was in France. We chose the wrong day but you went back and got some decent shots. Evian from memory. We had a decent steak meal though