The Mayflower - 6/09/25

My efforts from Whiteball, Rattery and Hemerdon. With a couple of Nunney also at Whiteball and, later on, Burlescombe. I hope you enjoy it

 

Ignoring is the wrong word, I choose to comment on the Castle and not the Jubilee, that doesn’t really constitute ignoring. Had I off cropped it out the photograph then I would say I was ignoring it.

 

Steady on - I only mentioned that Bahamas didn't look too bad. I thought it good that BOTH engines looked in immaculate condition. [BJ]

 

It was indeed very special, myself and a friend had an excellent time chasing both around the county with the highlight being of course at Hemerdon in the evening. The images that those skilled photographers (I have huge respect for any serious photographer as I know how difficult it is) have produced at the likes of Dawlish and Dawlish Warren of both GWR Castles in view are spectacular.

As for being a standout moment for rail in 2025, I would go as far as to say that it’s a standout moment in the 21st Century, at least in my view.

 

That was absolutely not my intention, I simply just didn’t comment on it that was all.

 

As I say, context matters - that wasn't how it read to me.

 

It is often said that we need to be a little careful not only of what we say on a forum such as this but how we say it, lest it be misconstrued. Some of the recent posts confirm that. (And BTW I don't claim to be perfect myself.)

 

It was a delight rolling along the sea wall watching Nunney making progress ahead off in the distance. Something really rather special.

A different kind of special was the return journey from Bristol to Birmingham with Nigel's expert handling of the class 37s producing a storming run back. Nearly blowing the roof off Temple Meads station was hugely satisfying!

 

Correct; the lack of tone on forums compared to real life often leads to misinterpretation.

 

No need for that. We all benefit and appreciate your posts. [BJ]

 

7029 and 45596 arrive Exeter St David's platform 6 with returning Mayflower tour from Plymouth. September 2025

 

5029 approaching Exeter St David's platform 4, about to pass 7029 and 45596 waiting in platform 6.

 

Why have you joined this Forum. Just to be thouroughly obnoxious?

 

Been a casual reader for a number of years and always thought that it looked like a friendly site with a lot of knowledgable people on it so decieded to join. It amazes me that some on here are quite happy to be so rude and condescending. Personally that is not the way I speak to people, online or in real life as well to be clear.

 

You're right, it was. [BJ]

 

Just picking up on a couple of your points made there Big Al - I noted that in my timings about it being a sub 10 min start to pass of the climb of Hemerdon - but did wonder if I had got it wrong - so glad to think that someone else had the same! Not sure how common that is to be honest - but sure some of the more knowledgeable on this forum might be able to confirm or comment (please!).
As for the start out of Taunton - kind of set the tone for others to come!

 

I think a considered opinion of last Saturday's Mayflower is that both 7029 and 45596 are very capable locomotives as demonstrated by their combined performance on the day, they were both very well turned out, as steam locos don't stay clean for too long a great deal of effort is put in to keeping them looking as good as they both do, much of this work is carried out by volunteers starting two days before a railtour and ends the day after 'putting the locos away'... until the next time.

The compliments, feedback, gratitude and praise for each other across the whole team (0ne big team two engines) who make it all happen, is reward in itself for the effort put in by all. Long may it continue, and it will.

Should anyone commenting from behind a camera or anywhere else feel able to offer their assistance to produce the result they're looking for, they'd be most welcome, there are long hours, dirty, heavy, hard and sometimes wet work on offer. The reward is knowing you've made a contribution to what the majority of folk see as a rather special day last Saturday and having a little pride in a job well done.

If anyone's dissatisfied for any reason please step forward and join in, make a difference, your efforts will be welcome........

 

Speaking on behalf my table i.e. £660 toward the trip I'd like to say an enormous thank you to all involved in the planning and execution of this trip. It will live long in the memory of those who paid for the trip to run, especially seeing Nunney Castle, one block ahead on the sea wall. So a big thank you to all the passengers and their faith and support in main line steam at its best and to VT for giving us what we love. A final greeting to the crew member who just would not give up and finally successfully released the sticky brake block on the Jubilee at Plymouth a few minutes before departure. The success or failure of a trip can sometimes rest with a fine line.