2012 TBEL charters from Poole.

And through St. Mary's towards Mount Pleasant at 09:14, sounding fine...

 

Chandlers Ford 09:24, about 10 early

James at SVN

 

She was running at least 15 minutes early by the time she got to Dunbridge (North of Romsey). I got there in plenty of time only to find her thankfully being held at the station. She was eventually released around 5 minutes early still. Picture & video to follow.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ooQKdQox8FnSpWOYzo8TH9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pkzuwf7xyY

 

Late update - apologies but no able to update earlier as indicated last night.

70000 came up Parkstone Bank in fine style this morning and with steam to spare - sounded and looked really good - wind is currently in an easterly direction so was able to hear her accelerate noisily away from the Branksome slack and across Bourne Valley. Looking forward to the return tonight
Dick

 

Well, although I'm naturally disappointed that rumours of this tour's cancellation meant I didn't make the journey down to see it, I'm just pleased that it did run after all. TBEL and Bath Travel have really had a pretty rotten run for the most part this year with these trains, and I wonder if another cancellation would have been the last straw. Assuming Britannia arrives safely back at Poole this evening, we can hopefully look forward to another series of these trains in 2013. In particular, it would be great to see a Bulleid in the pool (34046 being the most likely, although if 35028 wold take a break from VSOE duties, that would be great). Slightly longer term, 35027, as an ex-Bournemouth engine would be rather nice...

Anyway, weather looks good for everyone seeing the return trip. All the best chaps, and looking forward to seeing the pictures. Perhaps I'll try to get down in two weeks' time if the weather is any good.

 

70000 down top of Parkstone Bank at 2012 running easily in the dying light - glad this one has made it ok and with a good load hopefully good omen for 2013 Dick

 

70000 Britannia up Parkstone Station tender first with return ECS at 2122 in fine style - one slight slip on flange lubricator just before station otherwise
fine climb - listened to her for next 3 or 4 minutes as she climbed to top of bank and then through Branksome and on across Bourne Valley! Lovely!! Dick

 

Some shots from Bath, fouled up in choice of location, hadn't anticipated road works on A4.

70000 Britannia hauling The Bath Spa Express - a set on Flickr

 

[video=youtube;6usJ_Aa1-To]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6usJ_Aa1-To[/video]

My footage from today's run seen at Oldfield Park, Bristol and Keynsham. Some lovely performances from the Brit

 

The Brit sounded in top form today, and here's hoping to a third season of Bath Spa Expresses.

My video link is below. They are taken over two days, 67022 and 70000 on Monday and 70000 solo on Wednesday. The shots from Monday were taken at Winchester and Eastleigh and the shots from Wednesday taken at Redbridge, Chandlers Ford, Mottisfont (x2) and Beaulieu Road (x2).

Not my best film, have had some issues with traffic today, so arrived late at a number of locations and struggled to get set up in time! I nearly missed 70000 at Redbridge (heavy traffic on the M27/M271), Chandlers Ford (70000 was about 10-15 minutes early!) and Mottisfont (tried to reach a new location at Lockerley, heavy traffic on the M27, reached Mottisfont with 10 minutes to spare and only just set the tripod up in time... I know I was shooting into the sun - the other side of the crossing was full of sign posts etc...)

The link to my video is here: 70000 - The Bath Spa Express 05-09-12 - YouTube

Please feel free to comment, all constructive criticism is welcome!

James at SVN

 

My video showing the train arriving at Bath on the outward leg, and passing Claverton on the return working:

The Bath Spa Express, 70000 Britannia, 5th September 2012. - YouTube

Dave

 

Great video, were you up by the gate by the canal bridge?

 

Thanks for the comment.
Yes I was on the canal bridge, you must have been down by the gate in the field in front of me.
You got a good shot there.
Regards
Dave

 

Sorry I wasn't more sociable, hope I wasn't in your way.

 

No, you were fine.

Dave

 

Claverton on the way back from Bath.

70000 Britannia Bath Spa Express 5th September 2012 at Claverton - YouTube

Twerton Tunnel on the way to Bristol.

Bath Spa Express September 5th 2012 Poole Bath Bristol run - YouTube

 

As a post script to this thread, Wednesday 18th dawned cold and clear, but the train had already been cancelled due to industrial action. What a rotten season TBEL have had with these trains! I hope that they will try again in 2013 and have fewer problems.

 

Blessed cold walking the dogs at just after 6 John! but very nice morning - still got the 2 end of season runs to Bath and Bristol to come hopefully and here's hoping they will come back for another go next year Dick

 

Bath Spa Express. Wednesday, 3rd October. Now cancelled. Very disappointing. <BJ>

 

Did TBEL not know that 70000 'Britannia' was sat at Barton Hill, Bristol since 24th November? Perhaps it was shortage of support crews, DBS crews or passengers.

From the TBEL website. ''The Bath Spa Christmas Express on 28th November has been withdrawn from the programme as there is no suitable steam locomotive available to haul the train''.