Vintage Trains 2024

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U10080/2024-05-11/detailed

Quick blast on the down main from Reading followed by 34 minutes sitting in Oxford loop.

 

Thought it would go via Badminton as per 1964... was looking forward to 7029 on Filton Bank... never mind!

 

I saw in the Railway Magazine that it is planned to have a go-pro camera mounted somewhere on the loco. I'm sure this tour will be popular with enthusiasts on the lineside (myself included), is a GWR loco on that route a big draw for the normal people? In my experience if it isn't 60103 then it's just another steam engine - that was the case today when I was out to see 46100 in East Anglia. Hope it all goes well.

 

Depends if the local press make much of it. Sadly it's rare these days to get a GWR loco running on the mainline in the West Country, I am sure plenty of enthusiasts will be out.

 

Well done to Vintage Trains and Network Rail for some cracking paths, now significantly more difficult since Crossrail.
A friend of mine who used to work for Network Rail (and who lives in Reading) just commented that Vintage Trains must have some friends in very high places to negotiate that non-stop path!
Very much looking forward to this now!!

 

I must admit I am suprised there are still seats avaliable for this trip, had an email only a few days ago. Those on here bemoaning the lack of real steam and the presence of pesky diesels need to take a look at these timings tonight and perhaps make a phone call tomorrow!

 

In my dreams, was hoping for Temple Meads to PAD via Badminton on the 105 minute Bristolian timing, sans diesel.

You can't have everything, but I'm surely allowed to dream!

 

Not FS, on a route where steam is not exactly rare these days. Cannot see the general public any more interested than say last weekend.

 

I'm afraid that I disagree. I can imagine the seawall being very popular with the general public and steam enthusiasts, especially as the weather forecast is good, it's early morning and it's a GREAT WESTERN loco. <BJ>

 

Well a BR loco to a GWR design.
As someone who lived on the Western most of his life and with two grandfathers who were GWR drivers I can appreciate what it means. Still I guess we will see if they are 5 deep on the sea wall.

 

According to National Rail Table 125 (from a few years ago when they still showed mileages), Temple Meads to Paddington via Bath is a tad further, at 118½ miles. 143 minutes for that distance would be reasonable if it included a water stop in a loop somewhere, but it seems extremely slow for a non-stop run.

 

MLN1 mileages (railwaycodes.org.uk) PAD-TM via Bath is 118 31ch. Seems via Filton is just under 118m. MLN1/FEC/BSW/SWB/MLN1.

 

Good Morning from sunny Tyseley!

For everyone that is travelling with us on The Great Western (1Z48), we are really looking forward to welcoming you onboard for this historic weekend.

The train is formed as follows: 7029- Water Carrier- Support Coach- Pullman (B)- Pullman (C)- Pullman (D-Eagle)- First Class (P)- Buffet Bar (Z)- Tourist (E)- Tourist (F)- D1755.

There will be Vintage Trains hosts to assist you at pick up stations en route and our onboard team are here to help.

There are a very limited number of seats available if anyone would like to join us for a short hop anywhere, please come and find us in Coach Z to see if we can accommodate.

Joe
Deputy Tour Manager
Vintage Trains

 

Away from Snow Hill on time. Just leaving Widney Manor, 7029 can be clearly heard in coach F!

 

Lovely noisey sprint up to 67mph, just pulled into Warwick Parkway. Diesel on back doing nothing.

 

On its way to the Devon bank's 7029 Clun Castle passes Bordesley jct

 

Arriving at Banbury.
Delayed by 5 min due to the signaller letting a Chiltern out ahead of it (despite being booked to depart after Clun had arrived).

 

Leaving Tyesley

 

Couple of minutes early into Oxford, some very fine running into the high 70s south of Banbury.