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Shakespeare Express 2017

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by The Black Hat, May 31, 2017.

  1. zep108

    zep108 Member

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    hello
    a few pics from todays second run at http://stevebottrill.zenfolio.com/ or https://www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/
    regards
     
  2. Harbury

    Harbury New Member

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    Last edited: Aug 27, 2017
    iancawthorne, CLN_WVR, cg and 5 others like this.
  3. David likes trains

    David likes trains Member

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    A couple from today -

    Approaching Claverdon at lunchtime:
    [​IMG]

    About to cross the M42 on the late afternoon run:
    [​IMG]
     
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  4. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    iancawthorne, 5098, cg and 5 others like this.
  5. Where's Mazeppa?

    Where's Mazeppa? Member

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  6. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    other side of the footbridge I was stood on
     
  7. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Just thinking, with the last one next week which I'm guessing will be 5043 hauled, is this the first season that 4965 hasn't made an appearance?
     
  8. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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    I remember a couple of seasons back during 4965's overhaul it missed the main season. However in the respected November(?) an impromptu Shakespeare run was undertaken so it technically didn't miss a season. Possibility this year?
     
  9. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    I'd forgotten about that but now you've mentioned it that has reminded me about that.
     
  10. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    Simple answer: No. The DfT put a heritage component in the franchise bid. Both bidders safeguarded our operations from Tyseley, including future Shakespeare Express seasons.
     
  11. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' on the last SE this weekend...so that makes it 8 for 8 for the Castle.

    Apologies to 4965 fans. One word: 'Gauging'
     
  12. The Black Hat

    The Black Hat Member

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    Finally got to travel behind Earl of Mount Edgumbe last weekend, when in the area camping with friends over bank holiday. Run from Stratford was rather good. Staff very helpful and friendly, polite and courteous.

    Interesting to note how Vintage like people to stay away from the windows and watch the train when on the move, quickly intervening when anyone tried. I can understand why its needed, even if it took some fun from the trip. The run to Birmingham gave the Castle a chance to show what it can do, but it was quickly obvious that the run was limited in allowing this. Arrival at Tysley must have been early due to length of stop, and I'm putting that down to the Castles power and high speed, over a path for a slower hall. The run back seemed quite leisurely but still enjoyable.

    The whole trip was nice and the Stratford branch gives excellent opportunity for this kind of run to be done. Nicely set apart while still giving a decent run out.

    Have to compliment them highly on the quality of the rolling stock and the way the rake was presented. The Mk.2s in particular are a credit to them and give a nice feel while still being an older coach. The cleanliness was also evident.

    Some other operators out there should take note. This is how its done...
     
  13. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Is there any news on the gauging Ben?
     
  14. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    It's something that many people have experienced. They seem proud to claim that the Authorities apparently identify Vintage Trains operations as the set up that enforces the 'seating and movement of people' rules better than anyone else. Can understand the logistical difficulties of movement when meals are being served but in Standard, where folk sometimes like to 'mingle' more than elsewhere, it can turn these coaches into something approaching a waxworks museum. Ah, the trials and tribulations of people management.
     
  15. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Last weekend :-( . in rather inclement weather 5043 passes through Lapworth

     
  16. zep108

    zep108 Member

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  17. David likes trains

    David likes trains Member

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    5043 at Stratford Parkway and Bearley today:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  18. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    Can we please knock this off - it's getting close to slander.

    We do NOT stop anyone from moving around the carriages except when we are transitioning from our deport to the mainline.
     
  19. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Agreed, of course, and apologies if the text came across more critical than was intended. However, as a traveller on all the TOC operations I am probably in a fairly good position to make comparative observations and to return to the main point, many would argue that the VT way of doing things is the right way. However, as we are on the Shakespeare thread then perhaps a version of a line from Hamlet might be appropriate. "The (lady) doth protest too much, methinks". ;)
     
  20. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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    Somewhat delayed through my own decision not to upload. But it commemorates the end of the season with a fine performance. Many thanks to everyone who made it another great season.

     

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