Vintage Trains 2023

7029 Clun Castle with yesterdays high profile express to Lincoln, filmed with 2 camcorders at Langford, Stowgate, Grantham and St Neots

 

A couple of shots of yesterday's autumn Shakey at Wilmcote and Dorridge. I hope you enjoy the video

 

God's country..that brought back memories....born in Leamington Spa....now domiciled in Yorkshire... happy days as a kid...

 

Last Shakespeare of the year at Wilmcote

 

Beautiful shot that.......

 

Times for Tuesday's trip to York:
1Z27 Outward: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91875/2023-11-28/detailed
1Z28 Return: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91877/2023-11-28/detailed

And times for the following Tuesday's trip to Bath and Bristol:
1Z43 Outward: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91890/2023-12-05/detailed
1Z44 Return: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91889/2023-12-05/detailed

 

7029 going beautifully at Milford Tunnel this morning

 

7029 powering away from the stop at Burton, seen passing bthe pumping station at Clay Mills.

 

Alternative angles from Milford.

 

i went to Moorthorpe today to see 7029 Clun Castle with The Christmas White Rose (Vintage Trains)
when i got there i regretted my decision to do so, photos had to be taken directly into sun which was very low and strong
i apolgise for quality, best i could do under the circumstances
even black and white was not much better
https://railway-photography.smugmug...-2023/Moorthorpe-28th-November-2023/i-czNBvBj

Neil

 

Ackworth Moor Top.
"Clun Castle", 28/11/23.

 

I travelled on the train from Bham New Street and I've appended my notes of the day. Great to see the wonderful shots of the train from the lineside.

My first main line steam since 2019. 7029 Clun Castle was the train engine; 7th trip with this loco since June 1985.

RT dep from New Street. Seated penultimate Mark II from rear close to rear-end green 47. Some slow running after Coleshill with result we were 3L arriving at Tamworth. Left Burton 2L and the cl47 was clearly assisting from Burton with some power to get moving then eased off and Clun could be heard romping away in winter sunshine. We passed North Stafford Jn at 69mph. We arrived Derly 2L and left RT @ 10.16 and soon got up-to 62mph. We passed Ambergate Jn 2L at 58mph; Clun could be heard working. Speed dropped on the rising gradient and we passed Toadmoor Tunnel at 54 mph and passed Wingfield at 55mph. Passed Chesterfield RT and over Tapton Jn, at 19mph.

Over Beighton Jn RT and we were travelling at 60mph. We did not need to make regulating call at Moorthorpe Loop and we passed 16e. Net result we arrived Pontefract Baghill earlier then planned. We left RT. Thereafter we bowled along and by the time we passed Colton Jn the driver was easing off as we passed at 55mph. Right time arrival at York after a pleasant run; maximum speed attained was 73mph. Thereafter self and friend nipped to the NRM - to note many exhibits not on display with building work occurring.

We arrived York platform 3 just before 16.30 and watched the ECS came in at 1635 7L. Stewards chivvying up people for the 1640 dep. Train not turned to my delight so we were close to 7029. We left 2L and I could sense the train-crew frustration as a slow run ensued with a late running LNER and Cross Country train leaving York and ahead. Max speed attained York to Donny was 65mph . With the result we passed Shaftholme Jn 12L at 63mph. We passed Doncaster at 20mph as we weaved across to the Sheffield line. The Signaller favouring to keep us running rather than bring us to a stand, so we were able to cross the Down Main/Slow. Time deficit grew and Clun was worked easily. The Tapton Jn water stop was not taken and resulted in us recovering lost time. Delight was short lived as we passed Chesterfield 2L and then came to a halt, a very late Liverpool-Norwich crossed in front. We then followed the next train to pass us, a very late running Cross Country service to Plymouth. We then followed and speed soon built on the falling gradient so speed rose to the mid 70s. Arrived Derby 26L I decided to hop off here to connect to a West bound Cross Country train. It also meant I could watch Clun depart. What a departure! Apart from the great weather it was the highlight.

Shout-out to great Vintage Trains staff; they did a great job and the train and Clun Castle beautifully turned out. Credit to Network Rail staff keeping train moving on what is a very busy bit of railway. Despite slight disappointment we didn't get a York to Donny dash on the ECML it was a good day; and will be booking again with Vintage Trains. Many thanks.

 

5043 confirmed for next Tuesday's Merchant Venturer to Bath and Bristol. Her first run along the GWML since returning to service. Only tourist class seats at £99 each remain available

 

Beautiful

 

A wider view at Milford from Tuesday.

 

5043 arriving 10min early at a very damp Banbury. Platform shot only as I'm on it!

 

The Merchant Venturer.
Tackley and Hinksey, Oxon.

 

Powering along nicely at Shrivenham, this morning. Enjoy

 

Here's my video of Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with The Merchant Venturer. I filmed her at Harbury Tunnel, Kennington and Twerton Tunnel. I hope you enjoy the video.