Sharpo's Blog

4965 on Shakespeare Express, 05/09/10

Sharpo — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:58:16 +0000

Went across to Dorridge to see this train, as I have done over the past few weeks. My train was delayed just outside Dorridge, as were the next 2 departures towards Birmingham. Seems there was a problem with the level crossing gates. I was worried that the Shakespeare might have returned via Shirley, but a whistle in the distance confirmed it was on the way. After the train had passed I caught the next Chiltern train to Moor Street, this was running nearly 20 minutes late, but I arrived in time to see the empty stock returning to Tyseley. Must try & get the photos sorted!!

SVR 5th September

Sharpo — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:52:46 +0000

No walk along the riverbank today – it was raining so straight up to the station. 43106 was seen first on a s/b train, next was 46443 s/b on Footplate Experience with 7 coaches, crossing with 3802. The other 2 trains were both hauled by a Manor, so 7802 & 7812, and both chimney-first!

SVR 4th September

Sharpo — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:33:16 +0000

The usual Saturday outing, from down by the river 5164 was seen heading southbound, then 7812 northbound. Up at Arley station, 46443 arrived on Footplate Experience and then D1062 on the diesel turn. Finally, 3802 was on the next train from Bridgnorth.

4 x DRS 20s moved from Eastleigh to Crewe

Sharpo — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:28:20 +0000

On Friday, 37218 was used to move 4 Class 20s from Eastleigh to Crewe, the numbers were 20309, 20310, 20311 & 20312. I think they were destined for storage at Carnforth. They were booked to stop in the loop at Dorridge to let a Voyager, so that is where I went to photograph them. Quite a backlog of photos now, when will I get round to sorting them!!!

GWR Toddington 02/09/10

Sharpo — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:36:27 +0000

Called in for a train ride today. The 4-2-2 “Iron Duke” replica was on temporary track in the car park. Our train was hauled by 2-8-0 no. 2807 & D8137. As the train could only run as far as Gotherington, due to the collapsed embankment, the 2 locos top & tailed the train.

SVR 1st September

Sharpo — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:30:03 +0000

You have to make the most of the sunny weather and 3 train timetable, well, 4 with the diner, as it’s back to the 2 train timetable during the week for the rest of the month. Bewdley again for lunch, arrived just as 3802 was entering platform 1 – very slowly, 7802 was on the train from Bridgnorth. Half an hour or so later, 7812 headed the diner towards Bridgnorth. Finally it was 43106 on the 4th train, which took me back to Kidderminster.

SVR 31st August

Sharpo — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:37:19 +0000

On my own & using public transport today. As I stepped off the bus at Bewdley, 3802 was heading across the viaduct towards Bridgnorth. The other 2 locos seen were 5164 & 43106, the latter taking me back to Kidderminster.

SVR 30th August

Sharpo — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:30:17 +0000

Not the usual walk today, as village fete or whatever in Arley village, meaning loads of traffic and the car park probably full – so we went to Bewdley instead. KC had her walk along the riverbank before going to the station for our sandwiches & a cuppa. Only saw 4 of the trains, D8188 was on the diesel turn & 3802, 5164 & 7812 were the other locos. No doubt 43106 was the one I didn’t see.

Whilst at Bewdley I heard the Berkeley flask train was on the way back & booked via Kidderminster, so it was a fast walk back to the car and then off to Stourbridge as I didn’t want to miss it – especially as it was hauled by a pair of 37s.

4965 on the Shakespeare Express

Sharpo — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:18:40 +0000

Yet another ride to Dorridge to see the train on the second run back to Birmingham. Thats 5 Sundays in a row I’ve seen the train, still not sorted the photos though!

SVR 29th August

Sharpo — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:13:09 +0000

5 train service again, 50135 on the diesel turn today. Same steam locos as Saturday – 3802, 5164, 7812 & 43106. Bit of a downpour as we were eating our sandwiches, just as the Limited came in, but it didn’t last long.