Vintage Trains 2025

There's also the Swansea Air Show tomorrow along the sea front. Red Arrows, Spitfires, Typhoons etc so I expect the city will be busy. The promenade will be packed with rides, stalls, attractions etc. The website says they're expecting up to 200,000 visitors.

 

Answering my own question, VT have announced 5043 for 19th.

 

Just a word of warning for anyone driving to Barnt Green (just got here for train into BNST), the majority of the car park is out of use, so very limited parking.

 

Not sure what was making the most noise coming through Severn Tunnel Jc, both steam and diesel were putting the sound on

 

Water stop at Newport

 

You probably asked a steward like I did about that. Castles are out of gauge west of Cardiff, so it's very unlikely one will ever go to Swansea again. Not without NR clearing the restriction.

 

A quick signal check beyond Cardiff Central and Bahamas gets underway quick away from the mayhem of crowds heading for Oasis Live 25 (myself included!)

 

Probably need to pay for extra staffing costs due to the 97.

 

I did wonder this, that is a shame

 

Really good day out today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Yes, there was some shovage from behind in places but given the fire risk it was inevitable. I had a quick chat with Alistair and he said it was kept to a minimum. From the amount of soot covering the tables it was pretty clear the Jubilee was doing the lion's share. I had to keep fishing it all out of my cup! I also enjoyed the display from the Typhoon out above the bay while we were all back at the station waiting for the empty stock to come back in. My ears were certainly ringing for a bit after that!

 

Overall, a nice mixture of long-required track, a rare arrival at Swansea High Street and a 300-mile run with 45596. Although we had a smart run away from Worcestershire Parkway, we were signal checked just before Bromsgrove. However, great to have an arrival close to time - particularly useful and much appreciated for the onward journey. Thanks to all concerned.

 

A good day, with good company. Far less diesel interference than anticipated and an unusual destination. Shame we got to Stoke Works perhaps a minute too early, 75 at the bottom of the Lickey could have been interesting!

 

Pictures from the start and end of the outward journey