THE GREAT WESTERN MIDLANDER - 5043 to Euston, 21/5/11

Great pictures guys and thanks for giving us the view from the lineside.
All the passengers were very happy with the trip and told us so on arrival back at TYS.
I made a point of being in one of the windows right next to the engine as we left Euston and the noise as we went up Camden Bank was awesome.
On a personal note yesterday was my first trip back as a member of the support crew after six months off, although my memory knew how hard the work is my body seemed to have forgotten.!!

 

As far as we are aware this was the first time that a Castle had run on the WCML into Euston since 5000 Lanceston Castle ran trials on the LMS in late October/early November 1926. 5043 has previously run from Crewe to Nuneaton piloted by 47773, and we believe that 7029 ran from Northampton as far as Bletchley on a railtour around 1965. Apart from this we think that the WCML has seen very little of the Castles until now. The tour ran well and to time. we gained some time coming out of Euston on the return, but were hindered by a stopper in front of us for some miles around Tring and beyond.

Thanks for all the comments and photos. We would be grateful for copies for the archives if anyone would be kind enough to send them to us at vintagetrains@btconnect.com please.

Finally please don't worry too much about Saltydog, his enforced absence has made him a bit soft. He is scheduled for some strenuous exrcise to build him up again. I suppose he wasn't expecting the support crew to be tasked with cleaning the inside of the support caoch during the layover at Acton Lane sidings, but he seemed to be doing well after we had reminded him that as our widows are square rather than the round ones he is more used to, they do need the corners cleaning!

Regards
Bob

 

[youtube]YjytEhBA8y8[/youtube]

5043 seen at Curzon Street and Shilton. Plus a photo of 47773 at Bordesley http://railways.mjspencer.com/gallery/v/May2011/IMG_0925.jpg.html

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P3OGj5__aE

Me thinks he (she?) protesteth too much.

 

Out of interest, who was driving yesterday?

 

Wow quite a few improvements to "Flying Scotsman" in her recent overhaul then? :wink:

 

I think it was Bill Warrener out and John Daniels back, with Dean Morris (out) and Alistair Meanley (back) firing. Hopefully, Bob will correct me if I've got it wrong.

 

Thanks Malc!

 

Closest you'll get to FS in Brunswick Green really *runs for cover*

 

Hi all,

Some smashing pics and vids uploaded from a great day. Many thanks to Tysely and Vintage trains for turnig out 5043 and train in usual top notch standard.

Please see my pics below from Saturday

Adderley park
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oli_g_15/5743700679/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Chelmscote
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oli_g_15/5744252960/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Carpenders Park
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oli_g_15/5743707683/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Many thanks,
Oli

 

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I think Cap'n Bob is referring to the nautical version - scuttles!

JS RN (Rtd)

PS. Widows? All downhill since Jennie Wrens went to sea!

 

Yes Cap'n Bob was refering to my former life as a seafarer. And yes I do know what corners are. They are the dark parts of ships where cabin boys used to hide during a long voyage!!
As for round widows, I met a few of that species at "The Bags Ball" at Cleethorpes Winter Gardens.
Definitely not ladies to be trifled with!!!