Same place again, I’m afraid. 42968 on Footplate Experience, as it was yesterday, the extra steamer being 7802 on the diner.
I do try for different shots!
Usual few hours out at Arley. Locos were 5164, 6695, 42968 (Footplate Experience) & 43106. A bonus was 73006 with a saloon, wasn’t expecting that!
I was hoping the 73 would enter the station first, but it didn’t, so not the best of shots.
The loco was due to work London – Bristol – London on Saturday, and this was a positioning move to get stock & loco down to the London area. I didn’t realise when taking the photos that the maroon vehicle is converted to carry extra water for the loco, which would be needed for the non stop runs between London & Bristol.
I wasn’t expecting such an impressive performance at this location, but it literally stormed past on the way to the first stop at Solihull.
You can see the water carrier in this shot
Headed for Acocks Green to see 5043 with the stock for a Solihull to Slough excursion, not checked the photos yet – but it was ceratinly going well approaching the station.
Then to Kings Norton to see 56311 & 56312 moving some tank wagons from Long Marston, not looked at those photos (I’m slipping!)
Lunch at Bewdley, again! 42968 had been detached from the rear of a train hauled from Bridgnorth by 43106. As we arrived it was being moved onto Rock siding, next stop Llangollen, where it is due to attend a gala.
When 43106 returned from Kidderminster, it crossed with 6695, but then we headed home so didn’t see the third train running.
Nothing much in the way of photos, but I will find something to upload – there won’t be a link from here though.
Went to The Engine House for lunch today. 7812 hauled us from Bewdley, next train seen was hauled by 5164 heading for Kidderminster. A dining train was running today & was hauled north by 6695, next northbound was hauled by 43106. Finally, our train back to Bewdley was hauled by D8059, which had replaced 7812. Also seen at Bewdley was 73006.
A diesel on a passenger train makes a change…..
Called in for lunch at the station. Managed to photograph all three locos running – only 4 photos though.
This was the only chimney first shot
Bridgnorth to Bewdley & back. 5164 hauled our train from Bridgnorth, crossing with 42968 at Hampton Loade. At Bewdley, our train for Bridgnorth, headed by 43106, was arriving as we crossed the footbridge, so no time for photos.
Made it down to the bridge today before heading to the station. 4 service trains plus 42968 on Footplate Experience.
Another flowery shot…..
We were planning to walk towards Victoria Bridge, but the sound of 42968 approaching from the south changed our plan & we headed for the station. The “Acorns Express” was a private charter, for which I had no times, but at least I got some photos.
The station looks very colourful at the moment, so I tried to get some daffodils in the photos.
Bit of colour here…
The Western locos were working the service trains, 42968 was on a wedding charter. The DMU was also on the move, shunting the trailer car back into the 3-car unit.
The charter is seen leaving Bewdley
The sun was shining as we waited, it was running a few minutes late but was going well as it headed past and on up the Lickey Incline, destination Preston. I’m used to trains running at “Severn Valley Railway” speeds & this one seemed to be going much faster, trouble is though, mess up your photos and there’s not another one along in half an hour or so.
I wasn’t expecting it, but a few minutes later D1015 & 47760 followed up the Lickey – quite a surprise. Probably exlains why there was no banker on the rear of the GBIII.
This is what it looked like
