The Spitfire 4 Sept 2011

Passed Beckenham Junction around 10 late, following a Local. Looks like main Pick Up point today is going to be Bromley South.

BR Blue Cl47 0n rear for Shuttle.

 

Train was hauled by the large logo blue 47 from Kensington, 70013 on the rear, to just south of Vauxhall, where the train reversed an 70013 took over, up the eurostar line.

 

Hope to catch the return run tonight

 

Just a couple of minutes down at Ashford tonight

 

On time through Tonbridge into the sunset, although a bit subdued as was following a Hastings stopper.

 

Nipped out to see her take water at Paddock Wood, arrived on time and slick work by the support crew got her away on time sounding fantastic as she accelerated into the distance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/6113482299/in/photostream
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Was a terrific day with the Brit showing off in no uncertain style - two standouts being an electric start out of Bromley South on the way out (up the 1 in 96 to Bickley and on to Swanley) and then all the way up from Dover to Paddock Wood with sustained 75 running on a glorious late summer evening (oh the other thing that helped was at least several pints of Shepherd Neames finest.....) - in all seriousness the Bulleids would need to be on good form to compete with 70013 enthusiastically driven and fired. A credit to all concerned.

 

Really enjoyed working the bar.
Great fun.

 

I very much enjoyed myself on board The Spitfire, i spent all the journey to Faversham, the Dover Shuttle and the return to London at the window taking in the sights and sound of Oliver Cromwell working hard. Looking forward to the next one.

 

Was it £1 a pint time again?