29/11/2016 Cathedrals Express to Salisbury

Timing on Steam Dreams web site and RTT.
http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings
Starts and finishes at West Brompton vice Victoria.

 

Braunton fit and raring to go??

 

Loco replaced by 34052 'Lord Dowding'.
11 coaches today. 33.207 reported to be at the rear.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55146/2016/11/29/advanced
Superb weather forecast for today. <BJ>

 

Spotted on Twitter by Christina Martin of Viz notoriety: https://twitter.com/christinamartin/status/803512533629935616

 

I and several others positioned ourselves in a field next to the line at Buckland, near Reigate, this morning in perfect weather for this rare westbound steam working on the route. The train was running over 15 late, and at 1 in 190/150 uphill, but 34046/52 was coasting gently along. There is no PSR or TSR here, so I can only conclude that Betchworth level crossing had been tardily closed, or that the loco had a problem. What should have been a special shot was below par as a result, but, more importantly for more people, the train gathered further delay.

Also, still no timings on UKS, which seems odd.

Tried to upload a photo but the system is preventing me again.

 

Approached Mortimer prettily in the sun but plenty of noise from the back.

 

at redhill

 

Crowthorne and Grateley.

 

Two shots from this morning, captured at Buckland and Basingstoke.



James

 

I was in the adjacent field.

Have you thawed out yet?

Lots of noise from the 33 on the back.

 

34052 crossed Hurstbourne viaduct at speed at 12:09, running approx 8 mins late.

There was plenty of clag due to the cool temperature. A beautiful sight.

A question. I'm pretty sure that several years ago there was a speed limit for steam locos crossing Hurstbourne viaduct.
Can anyone confirm this please? <BJ>

 

Further to Big Al's reply, to guarantee exhaust on a steam run a request would be made to the crew to slow down to below the speed limit so they could open up again as they crossed the viaduct.

 

A few from today while assisting in the servicing of the train at Salisbury.

 

Saw Braunton aka Lord Dowding at Wokingham tonight - videos to follow soon. Pretty much on time and good to see returning commuters taking photos and vids.

 

What a superb engine.

The punters and linesiders have enjoyed very nice weather today. <BJ>

 

34046 Braunton aka 34052 Lord Dowding departs Wokingham on a train from Salisbury heading for London

 

It has been stated elsewhere that " Braunton now is out of gauge for parts of Victoria!"