Saphos 2025

Two striking images. I marvel at the distances that some travel to see steam in action, your commitment puts my 70 miles and 2 and a half hours door to door seem minuscule but does make me realise how fortunate I am to live in the NW.

 

Very kind of you to say so many thanks. Always worth the effort and mileage and we get to visit some amazing locations.

 

34046 + 57,311 + stock + D1924 today on the 1Z82 Poole to Kingswear.

Not surprising after the lineside fire situation at the WSR yesterday. We need RAIN!! <BJ>

 

34046 Braunton (with 57 311 and D1924) at Bradford-on-Tone en route to Kingswear.

 

Totally agree with the use of the diesel in this current weather. Keep mainline steam away from creating adverse headlines.

Does anyone know if 34046 is likely to be the loco for the Saphos Golden Arrow around Kent next week on the 7th please?

I've looked for the timings on RTT but presumably they are not there yet, or I've not searched correctly!

Bryan

 

Out
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50619/2025-05-07/detailed

Return
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50623/2025-05-07/detailed

 

Many thanks. And this is the return working.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50623/2025-05-07/detailed

 

They seem to prefer to alternate the locos between tours so I wouldn't be surprised if it's 70000 next week. Or at least a Britannia-shaped headboard attached to the front of a class 47/57.

 

OK, thanks for that.

All I want is a photo of an up Arrow dropping down to Bromley South with the full regalia on the front - which I last did with 34100 a few years ago. My Brownie 127 photo from the dull evening of 11 June 1961 is below.

34046 on the up slow would be best, but a Brit on the up fast will do for now.

Unless of course the diesel is on the front, and that should be obvious earlier in the day. I hope!

Bryan

 

I guess it depends on whether 34046 returns to Southall or stays at Bishops Lydeard for the next Kingswear trip. Does anyone know what the plan is there? I'd read on here that 5029 is going to be working the Kingswear trips this year but I guess it's not quite ready yet.

 

Just wonder if anyone knows what will be in front of the diesel on this one please? Another diesel or 34046 or 70000 seem to be the most likely!

Bryan

 

70000+47810.

 

Many thanks, I may go out and test a new side on location as there is a steam loco on the front. But it is 34046 I'm really after.

Bryan

 

The Brit ran with just a diesel on the back. Oh, plus coaches in between them!

But not knowing that ( I didn't think hard enought when told it was 70000 + 47810!) I started at Greenway Road between Hollingbourne and Harrietsham, where, a few hundred metres the A20 side of the bridge there is clear view of the line on the embankment. Ideal for a side shot to cut out any diesels. But only for up trains as I couldn't gain enough height to cope with the up line blocking the lower parts of the Brits wheels! But the location noted for any future up trains there.

Anway, with no diesel right behind the Brit I went down to a favourite location just beyond Charing and did ok. The sun hadn't come out so it was still cold, so got some steam effect; and that hid the helper at the back!

Bryan

 

The Golden Arrow, 70000 Britannia, 7th May 2025.
Filmed at Martin Mill and Pluckley.

 

Only a black screen showing. Is that an uploading problem?

Bryan

 

Picture appears after 40 secs on mine.

 

Regrettably it’s the same for everyone. The first clip failed to load.

 

I would be very grateful if anyone here can post 'firm' (with all the usual caveats of course) information about the loco for this train tomorrow please. Ie. which steam loco and where the diesel(s) are likely to be located in the train.

Many thanks in advance.

Bryan

 

I am guessing it will be 70000. There was a movement from Crewe this morning (70000 only worked one-way to Chester last Saturday. I know you want 34046 but as far as I know that's still at Bishops Lydeard.