Shakespeare Express 2010

And a few shots from me....

First run northbound was captured on the approach to Danzey...

After nipping into Stratford Station the second northbound run was photographed from the farm field north of Edstone Aqueduct.

In between I had some other entertainment to photograph.....

http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/

 

Most people I have spoken to prefer the Stratford to Birmingham return to go up the North Warwick line rather than view Hatton and Solihull. They think it is more scenic and the locos working up the incline from Henley to Earlswood is more interesting than the higher speed along the Solihull line. The Hall locos of course can not run at the higher speed. Some people who do like the Solihull route have still suggested that some trains should return up the North Warwick line. There was a mention that the Shakespeare Express may next year run on Saturdays as well as Sundays. If it does would it be a good idea to run the other way round to give people a choice of route.

 

The reason for returning via Dorridge, in recent years, has been a restriction on the bridge over the canal near Shirley. There's obviously not a complete ban on steam going this way, but I think it needs special dispensation.

 

Certainly doesn't seem to slow down in a southbound direction now which it used to prior to the bridge being done, i do wonder if the signalling sections on the North Warwick play a part, it's quite regular to be checked for some time at Shirley waiting for a proceding Unit to pass Bearley, presumably this will change with the resignalling however.

I don't think the 75MPH potential of via Dorridge should be overlooked though, i suspect a lot of joe public are unaware Steam can go faster than 25MPH in 2010.

 

I've only been once on the Shakespeare Express, and for me racing along at 75mph on the return behind 5043 was one of the highlights. I really enjoy the experience of steam trains at speed and the SSE is great value for that.

 

Both routes appeal to me. The Solihull route for the chance of a 75mph dash with a Castle and the North Warks for the stiffer climb up through Danzey. Let's hope both are used net year.