Dorset Coast Expresses - 2013 season

My apologies to all, including for taking this thread off topic.

I hadn't checked my settings for ages! Now changed them, and hopefully they will be ok in the future.

 

Blimey, SD are not having much luck with the SR tours this year; Diesel instead of 35028 (FTR failure) on the Exeter run and Diesel instead of 60163 (firerisk) (34046 unavailable) on the Swanage run and now no run to Weymouth due to no available coaching stock.

 

It appears that Tangmere is still out of action - with a cracked firebox apparently. So Braunton will work the return Dorset Coast Express via Andover on Wed 14 August.

 

Where is the best place to see Braunton between Poole and Weymouth? We are on holiday in the area and don't know it very well. Thanks.

 

The Roadbridge at Wareham used to be ok

 

Where are you based for your holiday? Plenty of spots but some need a car to get there.

 

Noisy and a nightmare main road if you have family with you.

 

We are in Weymouth and have a car, Upwey on the return was my favoured spot but not for a box . A couple of years ago the Bittern and Tangers were accessible for photos in Jersey Sidings is this still the case?

 

Budleia us getting a bit tall unless someone has snipped it in last couple of weeks since I was last there.

For a side on passing view the local road parallel and south of the line just east of Wool is not bad. Easy to get to from wool station. Alternatively for a good long view head on of the lunch time southbound run the bridge on Winfrith Heath is good. Parking spot. Sometimes wild bunnies close up on the Heath if you stay quiet. If your kids are small some room for them to run about while you wait for the train. To find turn left off the main road to Wool just after the Red Lion pub. It is signposted to Winfrith

Monkey World do pass outs if you want to double up a trip there with going out to see the train and then back into MW.

 

All set for tomorrow? Has anyone seen Braunton at Southall? She ought to be having her FTR this afternoon. I'm taking the day off tomorrow to follow the train; probably start with a shot around Staines/Egham.

 

I read a gen post a bit earlier saying 34046 is in light steam, and the 34046 Facebook page has said that it's all systems go! Here's hoping everything goes to plan - 34046 is the only SR steamed-in-preservation pacific I haven't seen yet, so am very much looking forward to my first meeting with her.

James at SVN

 

Good-oh!

 

34046 is at Victoria, looks like an easy load for today's trip, short train, even the box at the back is small: 33027.
Looks great to see on the mainline.

Next stop clapham, then Woking.

FYI there's an old interloper on clapham jn shed this am, 3417.

 

Its 33029 on rear of train, as 33027 was cut up at Eastleigh in 1992 . 4Vep 3417 is being stored at Clapham Sidings.
Enjoy your day trip.

 

1 min early through Clapham, was held at the jn briefly before the climb into Clapham.

Very nice through the station.

33 is just ticking over on the back.

 

Both wrong, just checked my box cuttings from Victoria,
it's 33029.

Here's the unit on Clapham shed.

 

34046 looking brand spanking new through Egham 5 down at 09:45. Really nice to see it on the mainline finally. Pictures to follow.

 

What a wonderful sight. Seen here at 0912 in bright sunshine between Barnes Bridge and Chiswick:

Braunton Returns

 

Now, Now, no emu porn here please.

Especially on today of all days!

 

Looking good. Hoping the weather is a bit less dull down here for my shots later although flat light will avoid any shadows issues.