Braunton To Stratford Upon Avon - 13/04/14

thoughts....

 

Thoughts? Weather looks OK, it's very close to home, it'd be rude not to go and see it...

 

Hopefully this year the train actually leaves London. This exact tour last year was caught in between two engineers possessions and a failed FTR.

Hoping to head to Hatton locks to finally hear a Bulleid on home turf. Not only that 10 days later 70000 runs the same tour.

 

The two locations I had in mind have now disappeared behind trees since I last photted this route back in 2006. Have got to chair an AGM in the afternoon so just the one shot then off back home. Just a matter of deciding where.

 

According to SD, 34046 is replacing 70000 on this trip.

James

 

Budbrooke is certainly a no go these days I believe, the bridge at the top of Hatton Bank or Wilmcote station look best for north of Leamington on the outward leg.

Also looks like it's going via the North Warwick for a spin on Tyseley Turntable than Hatton triangle: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53057/2014/04/13/advanced

 

There used to be a shot on the viaduct immediately adjacent to the M25 near Denham but that's gone so I'm told as has a shot across the meadows near Seer Green. Looks like one of the Ruislips for me and then a quick dash home before heading off for BBLS official business.

 

A word of warning to anybody traveling to/through Ruislip tomorrow, there are roadworks & temporary lights at this junction https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ll=51.572184,-0.422338&spn=0.001114,0.00327&t=h&z=19 and they are causing chaos!!

Throw early arrivals into the mix for the FA Cup semi, and things could get interesting.........................................

 

We dont get many steam excursions to Stratford these days and I have an SVR rostered turn. Well there is allways next time.

 

I wouldn't bank on a good shot at Hatton, as Tornado back in 2011 coasted up the Bank through the park in preparation for the left turn at Hatton west junction. See video below.

 

Just gone through denham with the whistle stuck open

 

Was thinking of the overbridge at the top, but am familiar with the spot in the video's, who's planted those bleeding conifers in the fence line ? another shot ruined

 

We popped out to Beaconsfield this morning - sun completely wrong down the majority of the Chiltern Line, but it's only a 10 minute drive.

The whistle was stuck open as Braunton rolled in, but was duly sorted before departing.

 

Think RTT has just gone beserk on the turning move: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53057/2014/04/13/advanced

Presume the 21 late away from Stratford is correct and the 170 early back via nowehere is some sort of data error.

Edit: Is indeed some sort of fault with RTT, having seen it on the North Warwick about 20 down.

 

Passing Ickenham Green, just beyond West Ruislip. The vegetation has been cut right back here, meaning one can do a small pan on the shot now.

 

Braunton at Denham Golf club, longest whistle ever - Its stuck open.

 

Caught this just west of Claverdon on one of the many foot crossings. Looked superb. RTT showed it being 17 down at this point. Will certainly return to achieve better results in 10 days time when shes back up this way.

 

Very good showing from Braunton today, noticeably when passing through Warwick Parkway on the climb up to Hatton Park making some superb audio, though unfortunately on the bridge at Hatton Park it shut off for the unlucky hundreds. The return through Leamington Spa was nice with the sun setting in the West creating a golden backdrop, as the West Country Class passed through elegantly. Looked a superb tour to be on today, with the weather more than playing it's part. Video to follow tomorrow morning.

 

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a few from fenny Compton at www.stevebottrill.zenfolio.com
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