Shakespeare Express 2017

The first run today approaching Claverdon. I wonder if we will see the Hall back next Sunday, I'm pretty sure it hasn't run on the mainline since the final SSE last year - last time I saw it anyway.

 

My offerings from yesterday including a couple of fine performances at Widney Manor and Wilmecote bank

 

hello
a few taken at wilmcote and dorridge at http://stevebottrill.zenfolio.com/ or https://www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/
regards

 

Happy Monday to you all. The first Shakespeare is done and dusted and thank you to all who came for a ride or simply to wave and take pictures; some excellent offerings so far.

To answer a few questions;

• 5043 will be on the next few Shakespeare's. the first one the Hall could be on is 6th August, but we are awaiting revised gauging information for 4965
• Journey A is a new path that enables us to get to Stratford a bit earlier making the turn around easier for the crews. Now that the disabled footbridge is operational, we are able to use Platform 1 at Stratford with the service trains using P2 and the Bay.
• Some might have noticed we are using P2 at Tyseley on the return journeys, and also slowing at Olton. This is due to new guaging restrictions that NetRail are looking to resolve asap.

If anyone has photos they wouldn't mind allowing Vintage Trains to use in promo materials (ads, website, etc) please send them to ben@vintagetrains.co.uk

Keep up the good work - only 7 more Shakespeares to go!

 

If anyone is wishing to travel on the 09:55 from Birmingham Snow Hill (Journey A) this Sunday 23rd July behind 5043, I suggest you book seats asap. Both dining and Standard classes are in single digits for availability.

 

Somewhat disappointed to read that 5043 worked the train on the two weekends I was thinking of going for it. Given that the gauging problems might have been known about in advance, it would have been nice to hear if the Castle was likely to make the run.

As it happens I have been away this week, but would have made the effort to get the train should it have been easier to find that the Castle would work. Given I'm in County Durham, it isn't easy to find an chance to get the engine.

Maybe showing what engine is likely to work the train is a suggestion for the future.

 

Had half an hour to spare in Brum that happened to allign with the furst return trip today so grabbed a pic. Not bad for phone pic.

 

Upthread Ben has mentioned that the Castle will be on the next few Shakespeare's with the Hall maybe making an appearance on the 3rd August subject to re-gauging the loco. Although if the Castle is suffering gauging issues on route, then it is more than likely that the 4965 will come across the same problems.

 

I believe that there is now a contrivance known as a telephone installed in the Tyseley office which allows paying customers to call the booking office to make such enquiries directly. In the world of preserved steam locomotives things can change quite rapidly and just like the real railway susbtitutions do occur. Hope this helps.
Regards
Bob

 

One of the support crew has blogged about the first Shakespeare of the year at http://sambrandist.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-beautiful-earl-on-shakespeare.html

It really makes you appreciate the hard work and dedication these guys put in every week in order to maintain the steam services that we all know and love.

 

A couple of pictures of Sunday's first train at Tyseley:

 

Id also think that they keep something like a forum on which is an excellent way to keep the enthusiast area of the market informed. I did ask at the end of May, weeks before the tours were set to run and would think that a post would have been a good idea to keep the message getting across as there has obviously been planning and changes made well in advance.

Matters were not helped by my being away the week of 15th to 22nd July, with limited access to phone and charge, thus internet and checking - hence asking for information well in advance. Even if the reply came a few days earlier I could have made the tour, but it came after the first one had already ran.

Still, might look to get back down to do the tour. But really, I'm after 5043...

 

I wish this forum had a 'funny' button as well as 'like' - ace reply

 

Taken on my phone so not the best of photos. 5043 on today's Shakespeare awaiting the off to Birmingham. A class 172 currently sits in platform 2, but I know which one I'd rather be on!

 

hello
30/07/17 first run taken at shrewley at http://stevebottrill.zenfolio.com/ or https://www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/
regards

 

Hi Guys ,Two shots of 5043 at Dorridge and Birmingham Moor Street today 30/07/2017
https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/36227758446/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/36268589335/in/dateposted/

Best Wishes Tony

 

Today's 2nd run taken at Chapel Lane Lapworth

Nice to get a wave from the driver.