Cathedrals Express with 4492: Surrey Hills-Guildford-Chippenham-Bristol 26th May

Through Reading on Plat 9 about 8 or 9 minutes down after being held on Spur Junction. She really does look a treat in Garter Blue!

 

Racing through North Camp :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/

 

Seems it was stuck behind a 10 minutes late local Turbo. Crossed from the relief to the main just after a preceding HST at Tilehurst Station, So I assume it overtook said Turbo further along. Tried to take a video, but messed it up - not happy! Especially as it was a dry bit between the heavy showers.
At least there was no box on the back.

 

Managed to have the day off in the end so went to Ranmore Common with my Mum and Dad today. A couple of photos from me...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/5761340293/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/5761886968/in/photostream

My video and my Dads to follow, my Mums is on Youtube already...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPThQdqGXz0

 

Here is a video from her stop at Shalford, arriving and departing:

[video=youtube;X4BI-mq_xvI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BI-mq_xvI[/video]

You'll see that they have been out and painted the lineside drain covers in a matching blue to honour her visit!

 

I only counted 12+ both tenders.

 

20 down at Chippenham.

Stood in the pouring rain for an hour, but the clouds parted for 2 mins of glorous sunshine as she shot through! One of those rare days when you remember why you bother!

Neil.

 

Opposite is true for me after venturing out to Shrivenham. Stood for 15 minutes in lovely full sun only for the cloud and rain to roll in when the train finally appeared! Hoping for better luck with the return working...

 

On time through Saltford between Bristol & Bath on return leg looks great in blue.

 

My video from Ranmore Common...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x6D066Vc7k

My Dads video from the same location, a close in pan shot...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWgFNR7q5Uk

 

Reported passing Steventon 19:28. <BJ>

 

That is rather an interesting support coach, would fit the VSOE nicely, but the whole train had a bit of that 1960's rail tour feel to it... Maroon, green, gw and an lner loco
Was nice to see something heading south through clapham on the Wimbledon side for a change today

 

Here it is again - Farnborough North this time :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/5762874914/in/photostream

The light was fading, but I got a picture of sorts.

 

Light was going fast at North Camp but it was worth waiting for the delayed return run. 4492 raced through with a nice blast of the deep chime whistle, the distinctive rasp of the exhaust briefly disturbing the birdsong and a flash of Red and Blue passing through the twilight. Quite a tonic after a dull day at work.

 

Through Gomshall at 2115, going very well.

 

Managed to escape work early and see her at Bristol departing for London.

She looks stunning - as someone who had never seen a streamlined A4 on the mainline it was a special day. Thanks to those who made this change of livery possible!

Few pictures here - http://channelimages.blogspot.com/2011/05/4492-dominion-of-new-zealand-bristol.html

 

Nearly went to Tilehurst for the return but did not make it in the end, seems it was running about an hour late though. Just wondering if there was any particular reason?

 

She was not running an hour late last night - I saw her at Wokingham at 20.10 which means that she was about 20 mins late. I believe this was due to no particular reason, just loosing time on the return leg.

 

Just going on post #32 above "Steventon 19.28" & comparing it with the scheduled times, Swindon 18.23 & Wantage Road 18.42. Also Gomshall 21.15.