6201 and the Jubilee Pageant

A very wise and sensible decision!

If you're not there from say midnight tonight you've got no chance of getting anywhere near it - leave it to the diehards, and if the weather forecast is correct its going to be rather wet for most of the day, so you'll have more pleasure seeing Lizzie steaming through Ascot with out the madding crowds.........................

 

I live by the Thames, the last two days has been the quietest for river traffic as I've ever seen in 10 years... A bit odd really, I was expecting much more activity... Though last week there's been a number of tall ships heading into the capital.

From 230-530 the Hilton ferry at canary wharf is suspended as most of the procession will pass. Although the procession ends at tower bridge most vessels will goto at least north Greenwich (there's a launch at mud chute, and docks at west India (canary wharf, I was told a few hundred boats may go in there !), though I heard they are closing the Thames barrier to keep the water level, flow during the pagent.

So for viewing... Considering tall ships will line the Thames at tower bridge..and most people may want to be around here, That may not be a good vantage point, but isle of dogs / canary wharf you'll still see most of it and without the crowds..
i may drop a few pictures on here as they sail past my place.

That said.. Weather is a bit grim, though not actually raining.

 

Any news on her progress yet? Did she leave Solihull on time?

 

Leamington Spa 0921 6 Late

 

Thanks Bill.

 

Banbury 0942 3 Late

 

Hi,Mod:Restriction of use of your boat on the Thames this weekend-think you need another licence to move around.I've a friend with a narrow boat & he's keeping his moored up.The Olympics is even worse,the fees will go through the roof.In otherwords keep off the river.Im surprise you are not charged just for looking at it.

 

Through EARLEY 3 minutes EARLY !!! Looks great, weather just awful for photography (as usual) . Thought we may see flying flags on the front !! ??

 

Here's Lizzie storming through Tackley right on time this morning. Very tastefully decorated. News of the Jubilee train had got around the village, and quite a crowd turned out to cheer! The video gives a sense of the excitement.

 

I nipped out this morning to Leamington Spa station for this one. In contrast to Martin's efforts at the south end I stayed under cover out of the rain.
Clive Hanley Photography | 3 June 2012. Princess Elizabeth has a date with the Jubilee Pageant. | The signal is green. It's on its way. Crowds are awaiting the first stopping train to London for the festivities.

I've also heard on the radio that many passengers have been left standing on the platform at Leamington Spa due to trains from Birmingham to London being packed to the doors. Were no additional service trains scheduled by Chiltern Railways to cater for the expected crowds heading to the Thames Pageant?

 

In gloomy conditions 6201 approaches the outshirts of Egham.Mainline Steam 2012 - Stephen Leek's Photos | SmugMug

 

Yep. Apparently this is a normal Sunday according to Chiltern! Got to feel for the staff having to deal with the crowds. Trains left Moor St packed to standing, still having to stop all the way to London where platforms were packed too. Had it been a sunny day and more people had made the journey, they'd have been queueing out of the stations!Also hearing news of a problem at Willesden that has shut down part of the Overground. Anyone know how this will affect Lizzie?

 

A short vid of her through Winnersh in the rain. Awful light means pretty poorish video, but she looked and sounded great !!! There'll be a few brollies in London today...that'll cause some upsets . Could have done with sun today like yesterday at the Epsom Derby.

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Steam Excursion 3June2012. 46201 Princess Elizabeth - YouTube

 

Captures the atmosphere perfectly! If you look carefully you see spontaneous applause from members of the public and a young lad say it was a "bullet train". Brilliant.

I saw her at Ascot 2 minutes late quite a good turn out. I persuaded one couple to miss the 1152 to Waterloo and catch the 1222 to see Princess Elizabeth come thought. They were so happy they did especially as she got the green just on the approach and was able to open up with a good blast on that midland whistle.

 

Absolutely foul weather at Ascot but well worth turning up to see 6201 storm through. Here is my short video from the platform end:
6201 Princess Elizabeth on The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Railtour 3-06-12 - YouTube

What a sound as she accelerated past us. Brilliant!

 

Afternoon All,

I went up to Wokingham to see this train. It was dull and drizzly but I managed to get a few shots which are now on Flickr. Here's the link if you would like to have a look :

Latest Pictures - 3rd June - a set on Flickr

This is a temporary collection where all new pictures go for a couple of months. However, they are also in the 'Main Line Steam - 2012' collection which is here :

Main Line Steam - 2012 - a set on Flickr

Hope that they are of interest.

 

I prefer your B&W effort - much more atmospheric!

Nice shot Stephen - looks good in B&W!

Must say though the headboard looks rather elegant and understated - she was about five down through Ashford going well and looking great, a credit to all who look after her!

And just to reiterate what others have been saying about the service trains - anything going into London is packed - they must be mad!!!!