The Cheltenham Flyer

Looks like you are almost correct, I think the middle road will become the new platform 7(4) line. The old platform line will be covered by an extended platform.

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/assets...1897/890592bf-e953-4ba9-9746-1287877c77be.jpg

Looking at the diagram it looks as if the rest of the 1989 footbridge will be removed, along with the car park extension already removed.

 

And if you are line-siding, get to your chosen spot early, just in case. The Bristolian was 20 early through Cholsey, and I only just got the tripod level in time!

 

Even with a friend on the train keeping me up to date, I still managed to miss the returning Bristolian at Milton Industrial Park! I think the same friend is booked on this one as well, so I hope this time I can get a decent shot to make up for then.

Let's hope for the same sort of weather as the 2010 trip - it will be the perfect way to say farewell to the classic GWML!

James at SVN

 

It will be difficult to beat the Bristolian of 2010 (I wasn't on it), but let's hope the Cheltenham Flyer will be a memorable event (I'm booked on it).
Here's a reminder of the Bristolian: Vintage Trains recreates The Bristolian steam express experience - Performance Notes

 

Last steam trip without the wires, last steam trip through the centre road, i'd imagine the last chance to view Steam from a few footbridges (Tilehurst being my home station being one of the them) Its going to be emotional.

GUV + Support + Load 8?

 

Fingers crossed there will be a seat left on friday when I get paid! I'd given up hope of this running... well done all!
Steve

 

Emotional indeed which I am torn between travelling or station-siding (!!) at Reading.

That said, having witnessed Tornado leave Reading on Tuesday night on its way back to Newbury on what was thought to be the very last steam tour before electrification at Reading station, I have experienced that emotion and it is amazing how it can get to you especially as the DBS crew gave a very long blast on its whistle heading west.

The difference this time is that it should be non-stop and the lure of seeing 5043 screaming through the middle road at top speed is immense. That said, knowing my luck, it will trundle through the old platform 8 (now platform 9) relief line, or worse still, one of the new platforms which will be open by then. That will be an extreme anti-climax because it will fail to meet the expectations of what the Cheltenham Flyer represents.

As a good omen, the last time I saw the Cheltenham Spa Express, was in 1964 when I was waiting at Reading (General as it was known then) in the waiting room for a train to Taunton. Mostly hydraulic diesels in those days of course, when all of a sudden, I heard a whistle in the distance coming from the London end, and 7032 Denbigh Castle raced through on the down Cheltenham Spa Express at around 70mph. Unforgettable and to think it could happen for the last time in 2013 is a mouth watering prospect!

Nick

 

You were lucky then! The Paddington-Gloucester- Cheltenham route was dieselised with Hymeks in early '63. Even the Worcester route was dieselised by then after a stay of execution due the unreliable hydraulics.
The hours I spent at Reading Station during 1963, early 1964 catching up with the last of the WR steam doesn't bear thinking about!

 

I'm on the fence on this as well.
Ive never had a Western at High Speed, and never done this kind of nonstop run.

but at the same time.. watching a western on the mainline and watching 5043 at speed also appeals.
I could do the HST and 1 way... problem is the advertised train gives me a very short connection at Gloucester for the London return.. so short (15 mins from arrival behind 5043 from Paddington) I miss the departure of the Western.. otherwise I could have done both, Is that FGW ticket fixed to that train from Gloucester or any from Gloucester ?

 

I joined the railways at Taunton in 1963 and wallowed in cheap employee privilege tickets to places like Reading. True, hydraulics were on the Gloucester services by then, which is what made this so extra special. My God, how I wish I had a video camera in those days to capure magical moments like 7032 on her way west non stop. It's what makes the Vintage Trains special with 5043 so tantalising especially as Reading will never be the same again and just down to good old memories!

 

Yes, in a state of wonder aswel.....do we go to Twyford for the racing stretch, white Waltham same, or READING, where she will be meeting new with old ( magnificent new station and a Castle) . AND, Hatherton, I reckon the driver will have his hand on the whistle chain all the way through Reading.!!! Actually, from the plans, I'm not absolutely clear that the middle road is going to disappear, although makes sense as no trains stop, its only used now for empty stock and through freights, which will eventually be routed to the north side.

 

Only 30 standard class left when I rang yesterday lunchtime...
Steve

 

I must have been lucky to get two club class yesterday!

 

If we are allowed another train it's a two hour gap to get one without changing.

 

A change at Swindon is hardly life altering.
Problem is its usually a 1 car class 153 ! to Swindon, plenty of London connections there however.

 

I hav'nt looked this up in the current timetables to see if something similar is possible but well remember in 1979 wanting to see 6000 leave Paddington (first steam in the pes era).

What we actually managed was:
1. See 6000 leave Padd
2. Jump on next HST & slowly overhaul 6000 (near Slough?)
3. Get off HST at Reading & see 6000 go thro non stop
4. Get on next HST & catch up 6000 & run alongside it for a couple of miles at speed (60mph max then)
5. Get off HST at Didcot & see 6000 arrive

Try beating that by car based gricing!

 

Did something similar, saw 6000 leave Padd on telly, paced by a HST. Went to Tilehurst & saw it "live". Then drove to Didcot, "done" the GWS depot where I found out the King had failed with a hot box. Saw the tour leave Didcot behind hastily arranged 47500 then named Great Western (now recently demised).