Britannia to Shrewsbury 23 November

Out of Salis in front of stopper. NR having a good day. Only 20 late......but we are now heading for the failed Tangmere. Very sad.

 

Today was the end of the DBS connection with Steam Dreams. Setting aside the issues that we all know have led to this situation, it is nevertheless very sad, for apart from the Torbays we lose some of the crews especially those based in London and the south who have done so much to make it an enjoyable experience. Today was a tour de force with two sets of them.

I have been up and down the SWML just a few times with steam over the years but I have never had a Class 7 with 550 tons gross (equiv of 15 coaches) on the route. Wayne Thompson and Jim Clarke managed that today, and with style. It was clever enginemanship from both of them and with water at a premium given when the engine had been topped up before coming across to Waterloo, the run down to Salisbury had it all. A slightly late start but the train was 'timed' to Woking with the gradual increases in speed reflecting the not inconsiderable load hanging off the drawbar, including an inactive Class 67. We were slow line after Woking to Winchfield and that held us back but the grades were used well after Worting when again, the train was 'timed' till the checks around Tunnel Junction. Britannia was noisy and at times close to her adhesion limits but she was not pushed beyond what was sensible.. This was also true northbound from Maindee with Fred Lewis and Vince Henderson in charge. Although we were now an hour late because of the earlier issue with the freight train, it was mostly an unchecked run with the climb of Llanvihangel a highlight. 59 through Abergavenny and 36 over the top now with 460 gross.

So thanks for all your efforts today. It was much appreciated