West Somerset Steam Express 2015

Don't know how useful this will be but on the way home from not seeing Scots Guardsman last night I overheard someone saying that Tangmere would not be on the train tomorrow. Not sure how reliable that info would be and even if it was true then it's possible that Southall have fixed Tangmere by now, just thought I'd mention it in case its useful to anyone...

 

I hope this does not prove to be correct. I will not be a happy bunny if I see a diesel on this train or doesn't even run at all!

 

I've just had a look in RTT. Looks like the original ECS move, which included a turning move via Greenford, has been cancelled and replaced by a direct run to Paddington (http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O26985/2015/09/19/advanced). 1Z70 (the train to WSR) and 0Z70 (a light engine Padd - Southall) are still in the timetable, unchanged. Tony's assertions that Tangmere is fit and the lack of announcements of alternative arrangements, suggest to me that this week's train will run as planned.

Mind you, if some kind soul is able to pop out to see the ECS tomorrow morning, then report back here, I for one will be very grateful.

 

I see the ecs is timed at 168 mph!

 

There is a big maroon diesely thing on the train and a green smoky thing at the other end


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Someone burning the bacon in the support coach?

 

Funny you should mention that


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So the Oak's pilot is on the front then.

 

Thanks Tony. "Big maroon diesely thing" returning to base as in RTT, or going along for the ride? All we need now is for the fog to clear a bit...

 

Fog and Tangmere are synonymous

 

Tangmere departed Paddington just as I arrived on the Heathrow Express. The 47 departed at a respectful distance for Southall (presumably).

 

Brill. Thanks all for info. Off to Cary in a bit.

 

And its Tangmere through taplow on time no idea if it had a diesel on the back cos of tangmeres fog

 

Old smokey going too fast after Maidenhead for the diesel...obviously dropped off the back somewhere near Southall as it couldn't keep up.

 

On time through Twyford. This is my footage via I-phone 5. A family of New Zealanders with their All Blacks rugby shirts were advised, by me, that a steam train was fast approaching. They were amazed at the spectacle and said they had never seen a steam train before as Tangmere sped off to Somerset and the Kiwis to London and the Twickenham I guess.

 

I hope you told them the designer was a Kiwi, from Invercargill in the Deep South!

Tom

 

Crikey. I had no idea he was a Kiwi. I would love to have told these New Zealand visitors that. Mind you, the fact that they saw a steam at all was more than enough for them take on board!!

Early life and Great Northern Railway[edit]
He was born in Invercargill, New Zealand to William Bulleid and his wife Marian Pugh, both British immigrants.

 

That's more like it. Tangmere made a storming climb of Savernake, running a few minutes early, making all the right noises and none of the strange extra ones we've heard recently. Long may it continue!

 

SR Battle of Britain 34067 Tangmere climbing towards Somerton tunnel On the West Somerset Steam express 19/9/15 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/tguppy37401/, on Flickr

SR Battle of Britain 34067 Tangmere climbing towards Somerton tunnel On the West Somerset Steam express 19/9/15 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/tguppy37401/, on Flickr

 

Very lacklustre where I was, most unimpressed. Should have stayed in bed!