31285 was due through Bromsgrove this morning on a test train heading for Derby.
76079 was working the stock through Shrewsbury, ready for the Cambrian Coast trains this summer, with a 33 on the rear. Finally at Shrewsbury, 57316 on the Holyhead train.
Almost forgot, the Red Arrows flew over a couple of times as well.
The plan didn’t work. Went to Widney Manor to see the Burton to Dollands Moor working, but I ran out of time & had to get to my physio appointment. The train was running about 90 minutes late.
Lunch at Bewdley, arrived at the station just as 42968 was approaching from Kidderminster, 4566 soon appeared from Bridgnorth direction.
Can’t keep up with myself at the moment!
Tuesday evening and I was at Bromsgrove for an hour, the DBS “manager’s train” was returning from the south west, never having seen that train before – it was worth a trip out. The DVT was leading with 67029 on the rear. Three freights and an HST were also seen.
Wednesday, the DRS flask train ran to Berkeley. I was planning to go to Kings Norton to see it on the return run, but the local train service had gone to pot & the only option was to head to Walsall. Fortunately, I saw it, headed by a pair of 37s – 37601 & 37603.
That’s even more photos to sort through now…..
Unfortunately I missed 5972 when it travelled south from Carnforth on Thursday, as it was a couple of hours or so late, but I was determined to see it on the Sunday – even if it was raining!
Moor Street station at least provided shelter from the rain, even if the lighting conditions weren’t ideal, but at least I have now seen the loco.
One photo included here:-
Unfortunately I didn’t see the steam-hauled part of the journey, but a couple of Class 47s were worth the walk to the station, even before breakfast!
47760 was doing all the work, with 47826 tagging along at the rear.
One photo included here:-
Sunday morning, a Branch Line Society special from Crewe to Welbeck was to run through Smethwick. Using my over 60s pass for the first time, I enjoyed a free ride on the train, even though it was only a few stations away.
The special was delayed, but whilst waiting we saw a couple of engineers trains on the other track. The special eventually arrived, headed by 66090 and 47843, with 47812 at the rear.
Sunday afternoon and my opportunity to see 5972 Olton Hall on the Shakespeare Express. It was wet and I only went to Moor Street, but at least I saw it.
Monday, an empty stock working from Southall to Carnforth with Class 47 47245 was worth a ride out to Dorridge. All the more enjoyable using my free pass!
Well, some photos to sort no.
A late running special on the main line meant I was late heading for Arley. Margaret collected me from Cradley & we were parking by the river as 2 trains departed from Arley. Straight up to the station today, KC not happy as no sign of the calves in the field, again!
7802 on the GW diner, 42968 on the other train, then it turned very wet. We waited for the rain to stop, then headed home.
Usual place, near Arley, 4566 s/b on LMS set, then 7812 n/b on GW set.
Diesel turn next s/b, worked by D444. Next trains were 4566 back again n/b, crossing with 42968 s/b.
A group of morris dancers were on the train from Bridgnorth. They were soon in action in the yard at the Arley, will check my photos later & upload a few
A walk to the station before breakfast to see this pass through Old Hill at about 07.25. 47760 up front with about 12 coaches, 47826 at the rear.
Only at Bewdley for lunch, but did see the 11.54 departures. 7714 on one train, 5764 on the other.
5972 was very late – didn’t see it.
The 56 was early, so didn’t see that.
The Hall was still at Tyseley as our train passed by at nearly 9pm.
