Steam Dreams to Bristol. Monday,13th August.

Steam Dreams have 4464 Bittern rostered for their charter to Bristol on Monday, 13th August. <BJ>

Steam Dreams - operators of The Cathedrals Express steam train trips

 

But UKsteaminfo is still showing 46201? Either will be a welcome sight though! PR.

 

Uksteam now updated giving the rostered loco as Bittern. As you say, either loco would be appreciated. <BJ>

 

The other difference between the two sites is the outward route. UKSteam says via Newbury both ways, whereas SD says out via Chippenham and back via Newbury. Although the UKSteam page says it was updated early this morning, I suspect that's just the change of locomotive, and the SD site is more likely to have the correct route.

 

Can anyone confirm this? Was thinking of going to Theale in the morning.

 

4464 is out of gauge northbound under Dundas Aquaduct, is OK southbound.

 

Now mentioned on uksteam that it is outbound via Swindon. I assume the times as far as Reading remain the same, so should hopefully see it at Tilehurst. I presume the outbound water stop is now at Challow.

 

Is that new? I'm sure Bittern worked some Poole to Bristol Trains over that route last year.

 

It did, including the 14th September run when it ran short of coal on the outward leg.

 

Timings received regarding the Reading - Bath section. <BJ>

10.38 dep Reading
10.41 Reading West Jct.
11.02 Didcot East Jct.
11.11 Wantage road
11.15 - 11.48 Challow
12.01 Swindon
12.09 Wootton Bassett Jct.
12.20 Chippenham
12.23 Thingley Jct.
12.37 Bathampton Jct.
12.42 arr Bath spa

 

Might be of use to those travelling on this,and apologises for the early morning post. But on my way back from Bourne End to Hitchin, I noticed Bittern in light steam outside of Southall yesterday. Also in one of the far roads was Tangmere cold. Looked like possibly the stock for this tour was on shed with a 47 and 37 on shed as well. Might try and see this leave Victoria as my Office is opposite the station, bit convient one would say!

 

Left swindon 12.20

 

Old field Park at around 1:05, Good whistles too.... Absolutely drenched though :/

James at SVN

 

4464 Bittern depart Bath 13:00, 15 late, after following late running Padd-BTM HST.

Were you one of the 30+ people around the station area? Oldfield Park is one very small station but is always
crowded with enthusiasts when a steam special is due ....and despite the heavy rain today. <BJ>

 

Bit late I know, but through Tilehurst at 10.53 about 11 down. It was pathed right behind a 66 hauled container train on the relief, therefore running very slowly. Opened up through the station on getting the green light. Stock was the "mish mash" set with the blue/cream Mk2 on the end.

 

4464 spot on time departing from Bath. <BJ>

 

Saw the train at Ascot this morning, expecting it to fly through at 60mph. But it didn't. Due to platform restrictions, is was limited to 5mph (not sure if it applies to the up road). Pity really but good to see Colin Kerswell on the footplate as TI and and a nice view for the many passengers waiting for an down Reading service.

 

Bittern, an HST, a couple of units and 'that' fence at Sydney Gardens.

That Fence in Sydney Gardens Bath - a set on Flickr

 

5 late at Wokingham with Wayne of Eastleigh at the regulator and Geoff Ewans (come on you Greens) as Traction Inspector.

Lovely to see a family returning to Uganda waiting for a Gatwick train rush to film the passing of Bittern.

Also a now famous Olympics volunteer complete with "uniform" waiting for an up Waterloo train say WOW! I didn't expect to see a steam train! I suggested it was possibly more memorable than the Bolt Gold medals - wink wink!

Little but lovely moments in the Olympic year.