No KC today & on a cost-cutting day out, so to Bewdley by bus, just missing a diesel making plenty of noise as it climbed towards Foley Park tunnel. Whilst eating lunch, 4566 passed by with a train for Bridgnorth. Next was D821 for an afternoon footplate experience, this was coupled to the LMS set in platform 3. D8188 then arrived from Kidderminster with empty stock, not sure where it was heading, and then 7812 arrived with my train for Kidderminster.
Just Bewdley for a sandwich today. 43106 had been replaced by 4566 and 7812 was on the other train. 5164 appeared from Bridgnorth direction, running as a light engine and stabled in the yard at Bewdley. We must have just missed the rain at Bewdley, as the roads on the way home were very wet. So much for my plan to cut the grass when I got back home.
Off to Kidderminster to see DRS 37409 & inspection saloon on the main line. 12099 was shunting and teak Restaurant Car 7960 was also seen. 43106 & 7812 were working service trains, D8188 was also out to Bewdley & back, finally D1062 was out on the LMS set for a footplate course.
KC not happy that she can’t see the trains from Kidderminster footbridge!!
Travelled by car to Bewdley today, as I had KC with me. Weather warm & dry, so I could sit outside with her. At least I had finished my sandwich before the rain came down!! Same locos as yesterday – 43106 & 7812.
It’s the 2-train service now, giving me plenty of time to spare to catch the 12.10 from Kidderminster. Unfortunately the London Midland train was over 10 minutes late, which meant I had missed the bus from Stourbridge to Kidderminster. Calamity! I had to actually pay for a train ticket to get to Kidderminster!!! 7802 & 3802 were waiting for movement by road, the Manor to Swanage for a gala & 3802 back to Llangollen. 43106 was on my train to Bewdley & half an hour or so later 7812 was taking me back to Kidderminster.
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!!
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
