VT - Shakespeare Express 2026

5043 and 37240 for today's Derby Shakespeare Express

 

Been on the Derby Shakespeare express today from Derby to Stratford upon Avon, an enjoyable day despite being quite hot and dry here is my pic of 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at S.U.A. railway station waiting to depart with the 13:35 Stratford upon Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill Shakespeare pullman tour.
Davo 56F

 

5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' charges past Edstone Farm Crossing with today's "Shakespeare Express" excursion.

 

The 37 was giving a mighty shove through Stratford Parkway

 

Stratford Parkway was my initial intended location, funnily enough.

I understand the risk of lineside fires is generally heightened at the moment so is likely to be a contributor. The SVR seemed to be having fire troubles yesterday afternoon, with my return trip with 4930 being halted between Highley & Arley for the crew to extinguish a small blaze at track level.

 

The Derby Shakespeare Express by Matt Spencer, on Flickr

Passing Friends by Matt Spencer, on Flickr

 

Thanks both, didn’t think of that - fire risk season comes around so early these days!

 

Interesting to note an industrial steam loco on the depot, far right in the second photo. Looks like it might be the Barclay side tank, ex LHR and more recently at Ruddington?

 

Yes, Andrew Barclay 1245/1911. Been there a few weeks looking at other photos online.

Edit - arrival appears to have been late January.

 

Cheers, is it now owned by somebody with a connection to the depot? I recall it was sold then left LHR for Ruddington, presumably gone out of ticket and awaiting overhaul.

 

I had a great day travelling on today's train from Worcester to Stratford Upon Avon. It was a great run. If Vintage Trains offer this itinerary again, I hope others can also enjoy an extended run behind a Castle.

 

Danzey Green dodging the bushes.

 

Something from Yesterdays run to Worcester. 5043 on the way to Worcester, passing through Droitwich (Salwarpe)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

A couple of shots with the camera from Worcester Shrub Hill and Stratford upon Avon.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/albums/72177720333717690

 

Just been sorting out my photos from the last 6 days, here's 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe with The Shakespeare Express passing Kidderminster
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2026/May-2026/SVR-Steam-16th-17th-May-2026

 

My offering from Sunday's Worcester Shakey. Filmed amongst the semaphores at Droitwich, followed by Lapworth, Danzey and finishing at Ladywood Bridge. I hope you enjoy it

 

Some of these extended Shakespeare's are turning into a top and tail operation in regards to the steam sections which is disappointing.