35028. VSOE to Bath. 11/09/2013

VSOE stock 65 mins late departing Stewarts lane. Class 67 diesel scheduled to run light engine to SL after departure from Victoria. See link. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50665/2013/09/11/advanced

 

Thanks free2grice. Any idea on the delay of VSOE departure from Victoria? RealTimeTrains has yet to update. Will the path change?

 

VSOE stock has only just arrived (09:24, 80 late). <BJ>

 

I guess that's the train that left Victoria about 5 minutes ago then, just missed seeing it as I walked to the office!

 

New path on RTT. Leaving 09:43 and routed on the FAST line. Been activated but no reports at present... Can't copy the link on my phone though.

James at SVN

 

Just through Chiswick around 60 mins late.

 

Thanks James. Here is the link. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P90089/2013/09/11/advanced

 

Don't see chiswick on that diagram

 

I saw a report of the VSOE passing Clapham Jct. at 10:00. <BJ>

 

But going where?

 

Back to plan 'A'.

Latest report ''through Staines 60L''. <BJ>

 

Through Byfleet exactly 60 late at 10:54.

London - Exeter reporting discs plus BP headboard.

Sounded wonderful climbing away from the signal check at the bottom of the junction!

James at SVN

Thanks all for your help and corrections!

 

Through fleet 11:25

 

Three photos between Barnes Bridge and Chiswick which get less grainy the nearer Clan Line gets!

VSOE Excursion 1

VSOE Excursion 2

VSOE Excursion 3

 

Does anyone know why the stock was so late leaving Stewarts Lane?

 

Between Winchfield & Hook on the down.
Apologies for poor sound,

 

We are talking about DBS here! Sounds like a comparatively modest cock-up by their recent standards. It is noticeable that whilst they have wreaked havoc with every railtour operator unwise enough to still be attempting to use them,they seemingly never cancel a VSOE job, so presumably that contract must be worth something to them.

 

The DBS crews had certainly caught some time up by the time I saw the train at Bradford-on-Avon. It absolutely stormed through at 13:20, just 28 mins late. It was probably the fastest I've seen a steam train pass that location and it was hauling 13 coaches. I'm very pleased with the film clip.
There was no real sign of the dip at the end of the platform where quite recently a chap was hit by a lump of coal falling from a steam loco. <BJ>

 

Might it also be something to do with the clientele who travel on that train?

 

And the return at Chertsey in the Dark and Rain