The Thames Tornado

I beg to differ. Colour does matter to some of us who travel. Even though photo opportunities are very limited, it's still nice to see a loco and matching set of stock.

 

I agree, it may be nice to see a matching set of stock but not so good if you have to sit/stand on board when there are huge flats on the wheel sets. Its not just the mechanical condition of the coaches that concerns me but also the cosmetic condition. It comes to something when a locomotive support coach is in better shape than some of the paying customers coaches. This was the case on the Eastleigh trip with Clan Line.

If it is a case of a rainbow set of stock in fine mechanical and cosmetic shape that has to win over a matching set in bad shape.

With Steam Dreams now advertising on ITV they are after the non enthusiast market, many of which would probably not want a shabby MK1 to sit in.

 

Here's another feeble attempt to try and keep this thread on the subject in hand. As yet no one has mentioned the progress of the tour. As I write it should be somewhere approaching Swindon. Does anyone have any updates please?
Hope to get to Tilehurst soon.

 

I think it goes without saying that the stock should be maintained to a high standard but that can easily go hand in hand with a sensible livery policy.

 

Apparently on time through Swindon and was last spotted at wantage on her water stop.

 

Just left didcot now

 

Through Ash 10 minutes down

 

Short video of Tornado at Tilehurst approx 7-8 mins down. Apologies for the slight camera shake.
For the coach livery anoraks, as you can see it is mainly chocolate & cream MK1's & 2's with one maroon coach (+ support coach).

[Youtube]<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/saRsvENmoD0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/saRsvENmoD0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>[/Youtube]

 

Made a fine sight and sound climbing to Sapperton Tunnel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-7NAXyIRqs

Also a quick shot at Swindon, rather poor as we arrived the same time as 'Tornado' due to roadworks (Grrrrr).

 

Didcot:

 

A few minutes late arriving at Shalford, but ceratinly making up for them when we saw her again at at Shere. Video uploading now

 

Was on time on approach to Selhurst then stopped outside to allow a late running, stopping local to proceed in front (good traffic regulation that).

 

About ten minutes down at Redhill, but a great sight.

I would say around 20-25 enthusiasts, but the 100 or so travellers awaiting their service trains were very animated after its regal progress.

Congratulations to all concerned.

 

Climbing up to Sapperton

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=303182&nseq=4



STEVE

 

Nice pics Tom thanks for sharing. Where did you get the blue sky from? Havent seen that up here in Yorkshire for quite a while!
Cheers,
John.

 

My Video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pECsAQVpJAs leave it a few minutes to finish processing as its only just finished uploading

 

And my video is here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba_GGkwe1rk

 

At Shalford:

http://simon71.fotopic.net/p61976893.html

 

Wow you must have been standing just to the left of me! I was the guy on the stepladder leaning next to the bridge

 

Im going to make it 3 in a row at Shalford I think!

http://ashleysmith355.fotopic.net/p61977753.html
http://ashleysmith355.fotopic.net/p61977754.html

Then East Shalford Lane crossing, too many people there to get a good shot, was certainly a popular one today!

http://ashleysmith355.fotopic.net/p61977755.html
http://ashleysmith355.fotopic.net/p61977756.html
http://ashleysmith355.fotopic.net/p61977757.html