The Merchant Venturer 21 November 2009

Which station are you going to be at? I'll wave out the window as I go flying by!!! ;-)

 

I probably won't be doing much window gazing as I've misplaced my goggles, and by the looks of the weather, it might be just as well... Still, should be a good trip.

 

Should be at salisbury for watering, tempted to go to newbury in the morning to!!

 

From the Steam Dreams website : -

Feltham Bridge problems

Following several enquiries the following update concerns the Cathedrals Express to Cheltenam and Worcester on the 28th November Bath and Bristol on the 1st December.

Network Rail have advised that following flood damage to a bridge near Feltham that all train services are currently suspended. Works to reinstate operations is ongoing 24 hours a day at present and the track will be realigned away from the damaged bridge arch across redundant railway land.

It is hoped that these works will be completed to enable normal service operations on Monday and therefore present a low risk of not being completed in time for the Cathedrals Express operations detailed above. Once confirmation is received on Monday tickets and joining instructions will be sent by first class mail or email tickets will be sent immediately for those who have requested them.

 

We will probably be at Ufton Nervet, near the crossing and possibly Kintbury. But if the weather is going to be as bad as they say it is Ufton may be the only location we go to. For the return run Winchfield is looking likely.

 

...in actual fact then,they are opening up the old Feltham Mashalling yard.But will need to lay temporary rail track,what a major task that's going to be.

Network rail needs a medal for this undertaking...

I should take all timings with a pinch of salt.

 

River Crane bridge, whilst at work yesterday (thursday) plans were afoot to slew the tracks over a few yards. With, hopefully, the line re-opened until a permanent solution can be found. Whether all traffic will be allowed this way in the mean time remains to be seen?

PS, looks like we're towing a diesel around all day! Butch and myself are bringing you back from Bath.

 

Thanks Wayne - Looking forward to a really good thrash with her!! ;-)

 

Might see you there, those are two locations I've been looking at!

 

Any updates on progress?

 

Reported on time arriving at Newbury. Class 67 at rear.
This weather is rather challenging today. Not too many
problems with sun angles or shadows though. <BJ>

 

Through Theale 10.25. Someone said it stopped at Taplow to have a headlamp fitted.

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Confirmation of the headlamp story at Taplow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOfqrxUzc-A&feature=related

Please note, the Taplow video is not mine, the Theale one is.

 

Running a little late, she was stuck behind the service trains at Ufton Nervet and was blowing off impatiently when she came along. She got going a bit although we managed to catch her up by Woolhampton and ran parallel with her until heading into Newbury. She was going very well at Kintbury. Don't know if we will bother later as the rough weather seems to be coming in now. I will try and get a couple of pics on later.

 

Are you sure about that? I was at Theale from just after 10.00 & only one unit went down quite a while before 35028. As you can see from my video, it didn't seem checked at Theale. I would say it was slightly early as it was only 2 mins from the booked time at Southcote Junction.

 

Bang on time departing from Bath Spa.

Loco now turned. Servicing taking place at Barton Hill at 14:30. Clan Line must be the most polished loco on the network. After driving rain it still looks immaculate. <BJ>

 

Passing through Avoncliff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAdXUcy9wjQ

Sadly our second shot didn't work out. Before anybody asks this was taken from the footpath leading to the Platform (behind the fence).

 

The weather turned for the worse when I drove out of Saltford towards Bath, 20 minutes before Clan Line turned up.

Some pictures from Corston.

http://michael527.fotopic.net/c1783469_1.html

 

Saw it passing Southall in the gloom this morning. Would attach my shot but it won't let me currently.

 

A few minutes late on the return. Viewed passing
Keynsham approx 5 miles from Bristol .....nice!! <BJ>

 

Short video clip from Corston in challenging weather as the train run on to Bristol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbATDkmLlco

It was good to meet BillR at Corston today.