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VT Cotswold Explorer 18/05/19 & 1/06/19

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Steamage, May 14, 2019.

  1. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    Times available in RTT:

    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10501/2019/05/18/advanced
    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10502/2019/05/18/advanced
    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10503/2019/05/18/advanced
    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10504/2019/05/18/advanced

    Sadly, I'm otherwise occupied most of Saturday, so won't get to see this one
     
  2. Southern Gricer

    Southern Gricer New Member

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    I'm on this. My first run with Clun Castle since 1977 and over routes I've not covered with steam. A bit of an early morning trek from Surrey but I'm sure it will be worth it.
     
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  3. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    We are on the 0516 Southampton Airport to pick it up at Birmingham Snow Hill
     
  4. NathanP

    NathanP Member

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    I'm on this too, my second Cotswold Explorer trip with 7029 this year. I booked on the one in April after the Tornado trip to Devon on the same day got cancelled, but had by then already arranged for my booking on the cancelled March one to be transferred to this May one. Another 5 hours in Oxford to kill! Anyway, I'll be joining coach G at Worcester.
     
  5. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    We are also in coach G, but returning home after Oxford. The Four Candles in Oxford is where we eat when we are there. Two Ronnies fame ''fork handles' ?
     
  6. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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    Having enjoyed your meal in the Four Candles, Don, take a look three doors along at the old City of Oxford School where Ronnie was a pupil. Years later, so was I!

    Peter after a beautiful sunny day in Manchester
     
  7. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    There's lots more to do in Oxford than some steam tour destinations, though it doesn't present its best face to the station. I recommend climbing one of the church towers for a view around the rooftops. Try St Michael-at-Northgate, at the north end of Cornmarket. Carry on up George St from the 4 Candles, turn right onto Cornmarket and it's on your left. My favourite part is Broad St and the area south to the High St: Sheldonean Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, New College Lane, Bodlian Library, more carved college facades than you can shake a stick at, most with wysteria overflowing their walls. If you want more interesting pubs than the corporate Whetherspoons, try the little White Horse on Broad St or Turf Tavern tucked away between New College Lane and Holywell St. Leave yourself enough time to walk back to the station, though - it's further than you might think!

    If wet, try The Ashmolean Mueum at the corner of Beaumont Street and St Giles. It's free. Something in there for almost everyone. Don't try to do it all in 5 hours though!

    To see a different side of the town, turn right (west) from the station, cross Osney Bridge and walk beside the Thames. The Punters by the river on Osney Island (formerly The Watermans Arms) does good food. You can either walk all the way to Folly Bridge and Christchurch Meadow, or cross the old railway bridge and walk beside the Castle Mill stream to the shopping centre and the Castle. Park & Ride bus 400 passes the station (so do many others).

    Here's a map to help you plan your afternoon: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=451322&Y=206172&A=Y&Z=115 Enjoy!
     
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  8. NathanP

    NathanP Member

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    A post by Ben on Facebook confirms that 7029 is "ready for duties" tomorrow, so the FTR has obviously been passed.
     
  9. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    7029 with 47773 on the back left Solihull a minute late. Not sure of load yet but light. Damp cold day
     
  10. iswise

    iswise Member

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  11. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    Load 7 plus water carrier plus 47773
     
  12. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    No need to worry about assistance with that load, even if you're running late. I think it was 24 into the tunnel on the April trip, but the load was 12/13.
     
  13. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    =11ish with the light VT stock so just right for a Castle.:)
     
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  14. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    Yes but damp with drizzle. No great effort so far but we are running to time.
     
  15. iswise

    iswise Member

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    Going nicely past frampton mansell. Diesel appeared to be only idling :)
     
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  16. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    26.5 min on Sapperton no DL. 78 after Minety, 77.4 Uffington
     
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  17. Davo

    Davo Well-Known Member

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    20190518_123802.jpg My contribution once again 7029 at oxford and a bit on good driving from ray churchill on time all the way.
    Davo 56F.
     
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  18. KristianGWR

    KristianGWR Member

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    vlcsnap-2019-05-18-12h36m30s163-01.jpeg

    An edited video still from Frampton Mansell. Lovely sound, as usual! :)
     
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  19. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    I agree. Clun Castle was going very well towards the tunnel.

    I can confirm that the diesel was not helping in any way. <BJ>
     
  20. jon5051

    jon5051 Member

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    Managed to pop out quickly to Culham, result below. 7029 working well away from Didcot West Junction, could hear it coming for a good few minutes.

    [​IMG]
     
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