Shakespeare Express 2016 - 17th July > 4th September

Marvellous. London Midland signage and departure board apart, this scene really does evoke some powerful echoes and vivid memories of the former BR(W)/ GW lines in the West Midlands in the late 50's/ early 60's. The foliage growing in the guttering of the platform canopy adds a particular touch of authenticity.


Nice one!! Thanks for posting.

 

Could we see 5043 out next week, as it would be an ideal test run prior to it's run over the Marches ?

 

That is a definite possibility.

The revised VT & Shakespeare Express website is up and running www.vintagetrains.co.uk or www.shakespeareexpress.com

Have a look and see what you think.

 

The Shakespeare Express one doesn't seem to be working, just getting a domain holding page?

 

New website gremlins. You can get to the Shakespeare pages from vintagetrains.co.uk.

Shakespeare.com will be back up and running shortly.

Cheers!

 

In the late forties and early fifties I do know that the foliage was kept well back and embankments, when dry tall grass was there, were burnt back. I lived adjacent to the N.Warks line at the time so I saw what went on.
I suggest that this applied to other places as well.

 

Oh dear, bet that has a stepladder requiring parapet then, though there again with the semaphores gone, it's not exactly the best view up there now.

 

I cycled over that bridge many times. I was a keen cyclist in my youth, finding my way around a great area of Warks., Worcs,, N. Glos. and S Staffs. There was far less motor vehicle traffic to consider then.
Canal towpaths were another good haunt: no hills you see.
I often wonder what it is like there now, but they say 'never go back'. Besides I have lived where I now am for over sixty years though cycling is not so easy this way - too many steep hills.

 

Very nice new website, Ben

 

Action from Saturday, with some nice whistling on display.

 

A quite emotive video, I enjoyed it.
Wood End has changed a lot since I cycled there in the early 1950's. I see the cinder paths and platforms are replaced by steps and tarmac but the anticipation of a steam loco emerging from the tunnel hasn't changed I am sure. What has gone, I guess, is the lovely smell of the creosoted shelters and sleepers and the especially on a warm summers day. Wildlife sounds, hopefully, can still be heard.

 

What's all this artificially slightly raised bit of platform I'm seeing at a lot of North Warwick stations now, did the engineers cock up the ballast height at the last relaying or something ?, you can see the Wood End example in that video.

 

I have a question for Ben relating to the top lamp bracket. I understand the position of the bracket related to livery. I was wondering however the situation re running under 25kV. In the latter days of steam the top bracket on many locos was lowered to avoid getting too close to the 25kV when changing lamps. How is this issue managed today?

 

A few images taken at Danzey station on the Midday run back to Snow Hill 31/07/2016 http://rickeborall.zenfolio.com/p305926019
Regards to all...........Rick

 

Nice shot Rick. I was going to head to Danzey myself for the afternoon run but got bogged down in the gardening!!!

I nipped out at lunchtime though and caught a shot at Henley in Arden.

 

We do not change headboards or top lamps when under the wires on any of our locos, irrespective of where the bracket is.