5043 - The Berks & Hants Aqua Sullis 12/04/14

Solihull-Newbury-Bath-Bristol-Swindon-Solihull

 

As the name of the train suggests, a stop will be made at Bath in both directions.
The train runs via Newbury on the outward and Box on the return. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53083/2014/04/12/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53086/2014/04/12/advanced

 

Looking forward to this, hopefully get some good shots lineside.

 

This is a great excursion which I have been looking forward to for months – and great value, with around 300 miles behind 5043 over exclusively ex-GW/ BR(W) metals. Each to their own, but for me, this is the kind of excursion that VT does best – rather than the kind of high profile trip, like the Cheltenham Flyer/ 1Z48 etc that come at a justifiable premium, but one that is sadly just beyond the reach of my somewhat limited railtour budget. And definitely much preferable to the kind of novelty itinerary that takes Tyseley’s stud away to far flung destinations that wouldn’t have been a natural habitat for anything with a copper capped chimney and a brass safety valve cover. IMHO.

Reflecting this viewpoint its good to see a decent spread of VT’s tried and tested excursions with 5043 in the remainder of this year’s programme (Whistling Ghost/ Cotswolds Explorer/ Welsh Marches). I guess that this will be the last full year on the mainline for the Earl within its current ticket and ahead of Clun’s reappearance, so I will be making the most of VT’s offering even though it does mean lots of repeated itineraries.

Looking at the timings posted for tomorrow, it does look as if some of the perambulation around the South Midlands/ Central Southern England is going to be conducted as much at a saunter as a canter, with perhaps a gallop down the Berks & Hants after the Newbury Racecourse call??...we’ll see, but in any event, the expectation for this trip is undiminished.

Just as a matter of interest, and continuing the theme of steam, for those on the tour looking for ways to pass the afternoon in Bristol, the world’s oldest tug – the 1861 built “Mayflower” - is out and about in the harbour area tomorrow afternoon, and offering 30 minute trips around the harbour area for £5. See http://mshed.org/whats-on/events/trips-on-the-mayflower-boat-sat-12-sun-13-april-2014/ for details.

 

The ECS heading into Solihull a short while ago: http://daviddepperphotography.zenfolio.com/p29134176#h27e6f88

 

5043 Powering past Bishops Itchington

 

Quick mobile phone clip from Reading West. A bit jumpy at the start unfortunately.
Pity about the Turbo although I kept it running for the sound.

 

Theale - Not cantering here

 

I was debating whether to go to Reading West or Theale, both not too far from me.
Plumped for the former in the end.

 

5043 safely into Bristol within a gnat's whisker of right time.

I filmed the train near Keynsham just 5 miles before it's destination. It was going well. Just seconds after the
train had passed a Bristol to London unit passed in the opposite direction. Phew!! ....nearly wiped out.

The loco and coaches looked very smart. A wonderful sight and sound. <BJ>

 

Some nice vids so far

I went for it at Wolvercote and then Crofton

http://www.ipernity.com/doc/d1059.empire/31888137

http://www.ipernity.com/doc/d1059.empire/31888147


Getting extremely annoyed with Flickr so have opened an Ipernity account - its just like Flickr used to be before Yahoo started bu**ering around with it

 

Just seen accelerating through swindon after being early and caught up a service train. Great noise

 

A stunning sight for a Saturday morning as she powered away from Reading through Southcote Junction. Doesn't get better than this !!

 

That soon got going after Reading West as per my video earlier!

 

my effort at Swindon, great noise and acceleration

 

How the mighty have fallen! Swindon station looks a right barren dump now.
A far cry of how I remember it many, many years ago with the works etc.
Watching a recent video at Exeter St Davids, that's as bad with the weed infested trackbed between the platforms.
Most now only have a few basic buildings.
An insult to the railways of old.

 

Some great vids on here,looked a bit 'windy' at Swindon as per Eggberts recording. And , yes Buseng, driver was not holding back at Southcote. Just fabulous to watch. Bit short on reports here, hope she got back ok... ps my vid was put on here about 7hrs after the event as I was active at the Prospect Park 5'' / 7'' guage most of the day. Railways all day.......good eh

 

On time at Dorridge as I write.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53086/2014/04/12/advanced
A bit off topic, a shame Carters Steam Fair wasn't at Prospect Park as well. It's gone straight to Palmer Park the other side of town till after Easter.

 

5043 gallops away from the stop at Wantage on the way home. This view from a crossing from behind the fence and well back from the crossing gate:

 

Filmed at Culham, and the curve at Crofton on the outward leg and Radley and Tackley on the return: