cathedral express - tyseley to paddington via new cotswold line - 17th september

Second that, very sensible move despite the incredible form this loco continues to exhibit. It seems to have only two speeds, 70mph plus and stop!

 

BillR

Super video. Where was the location for the first clip with the signal box and the semaphore signals?

 

Droitwich Spa

 

Was certainly looking good standing at the signals on Didcot East chord - being admired by the crowd in the GWS centre. A few whistles exchanged with 3205 and the railmotor standing on the coal road!

 

Driver Churchill and Dean Morris firing to Padd with me as 3rd man. On the return Driver Churchill to Oxford and Andy Taylor thereafter with Alastair firingthroughout.

Rail conditions were better on the Cotswolds on the return. The conditions at Campden on the way out were the worst. Besides being wet you could actually smell the burning leaves when the wheels were slipping, and as soon as you tried easing the sand lever it was breaking into a slip again. You have to be quite careful how far you pull the sand lever as it is very easy to open it too far and very rapidly empty the sandbox. Even so, with the amount of use they got they did get emptied by Oxford.

Regards
Bob

 

I second that Stuart, The first time I watched it, I found it difficult to predict just where the engine was going to appear from as it almost looked as though it was filmed from on top of a cutting, but it turned out to be a really great location. No doubt the next time something goes over there it will be overcome with people trying to replicate the shot much as the case with your ledge on the bridge at Ferrybridge. But full marks for originality Bill.

Regards
Bob

 

I'd just like to say thank you for your comments on my video and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
That third shot was a combination of good luck, although 10 minutes earlier the last of the evening sun was glorious and would have made it even better, but we've all been there Yes Ralph, wasn't expecting the Earl to be quite that fast! I'd practiced with an HST and a unit and they weren't. As for that location being well subscribed next time, well there must have been a dozen people there, it's a narrow single track road not a lot of room for parking.

Biggest thanks go to all at VT and the fare paying, without them I wouldn't be able to go out and film such magnificent events.

 

Interesting synopsis from Bob - intelligent forward planning - Spread the word!

 

I agree with the others, that is a lovely bit of video Bill

I can see why 5043 is held in high regard - it looked, sounded and was going superbly through Kingham station on both legs of the tour (we were nearby on holiday). Epic fail in the evening though as I managed to get what I thought was a good sequence of it climbing uphill to Kingham from Shipton and then passing through the station, only to find I hadn't switched the camcorder to 'record'...

Regards,

Dan

 

Yes - autumn has started a good 4-6 weeks early this year and has caught NR out a wee bit as the RHTTs aren't due to start running until early October. Honeybourne-Campden tunnel is a tricky stretch with leaf fall especially with the shower that passed through shortly before 5043. Lovely to see steam (especially 5043) on the Cotswold line and particularly one calling at Evesham, Moreton and Charlbury to pick up. Will definitely book on another if it runs.....(missed out this time).

Just to echo the other comments made, given the early onset of these conditions diesel assistance Worcester-Birmingham was essential.

Peter

 

Another few choice words from a steam photographer then !!!???!!!

 

Agreed! you can see(hear) why the term iron horse is used. Like a wild galloping stallion

 

Another Vintage Railtour, another day of the Earl making people go 'wow' as she storms past, can't wait to travel north of the border behind her next year.