Shakespeare Express 2009

The Shakespeares start again this Sunday July 5.
I think this year is going to be a bit different to previous years, with different engines making an appearance.
Okay they will be GWR engines but it wont be the same one week in week out, which is a moan I heard in previous years when 4965 used to do the whole season single handed.
Also the ticket price has been pegged again at £17.50 for advance standard class bookings or £20.00 if you pay on the day.
This has to be the best value for money mainline steam ride in the country and works out at about 35p per mile.

 

Be nice to be unsure about what engine is going to turn up on a given Sunday, probably have a ride later in the year as i've yet to experience Edgcumbe first hand.

 

I think it's safe to assume that 5043 will kick the season off with 4936 to follow on the next two Sunday's. But please don't take this as gospel as I'm speaking in a totally unofficial capacity.

 

And were off and running, 5043 looking immaculate this morning heading tender first down to Stratford through Hall Green on time, off for a phot at Lapworth right way round later.

 

Passing Lapworth on the lunchtime run: http://david1984.fotopic.net/p59369847.html

Got well and truly shafted by the light with bright sunshine shortly before and after ](*,), dare not brighten it anymore and wash out the sky.

 

Agreed:-this is probably the best value for money "main line quick fix" in the land. So good I do a 230 mile round trip in the car for the privelige !! The standard of restoration on 5043 is really superb. As per the previous post, the machine purred along to Birmingham. A Castle barking away through the countryside, in the sunshine, with chocolate and cream coaches. An easy and truly relaxing day out. Nice one Tyseley.

 

Today was a rather excellent day out. \/ \/

 

I saw 5043 passing through Widney yesterday morning, looking excellant.. will be riding this service again later this summer !

 

On time this morning with Kinlet Hall as booked, appears Bob's on the shovel again for the morning run, wrong side for driver but presume Ray Churchill as usual.

 

Took a phot at Bentley Heath on the lunchtime run (will upload tomorrow, haven't had time for editing yet), i have to ask who is Emily after seeing the headboard :-k

 

Emily would be Alistair Meanley's daughter.

 

David1984 what headboard would you like to see on Olton Hall next week? :-k

It was nice to see Kinlet Hall on SE duty.

graham

 

Yes it was Alistairs daughter who was celebrating her third birthday with some of her friends.
I wonder if she will be happy with that headboard for her 18th. \/

 

Hogwarts Express headboard 8-[

 

I doubt it. I think the Hogwarts headboard is probably a trademark or copyright of whichever Hollywood company owns the rights to market it.
Also it is still The Shakespeare Express that is running on Sunday. But I'm sure all Wizards that wish to travel will be assured of a warm welcome. =D> =D>
And hopefully they will be able to weave their magic at Stratford to save us the bother of laying out the hoses to water the engine. [-o< [-o< [-o<

 

"Yes! it is THAT loco, but were not allowed to mention the name due to copyright"

Might need the whole smokebox door for that one.