Same routine as the previous day, Kidderminster to Arley & return. D8059 was due to move some stock from the sidings at Arley & is seen leaving for Highley, where it would run round before heading back to Kidderminster.
D8059 leaving Arley
Back from a week in Cornwall, so we must be due for a visit to the SVR. Wet again, not a day for walking around with KC, so by train from Kidderminster to Arley & return. 50135 was hauling our train, but was having problems maintaining a vacuum, causing problems with the brakes and the train was held at Arley for a replacement loco. 50044 was sent from Kidderminster and after coupling to 50135 the train continued to Bridgnorth. We didn’t stay out long, returning to Kidderminster behind D8059. The only steam loco I managed to photograph was 43106.
The 3 diesel locos are seen in this photo
43049 & 43066 were the power cars on the UK Railtours train from St. Pancras to Kidderminster. Seen at Stourbridge Junction on the outward journey and Old Hill on the return. There was a problem on the approach to Old Hill, but after a few minutes the train restarted & headed on up the bank.
Guess where the photo was taken!!
My first opportunity to see the Shakespeare Express this year – and the sun was shining! After a much slower ride on the Severn Valley Railway it makes a change to see a steam loco running at speed.
I think this is only the 3rd Class 60 I have seen in the new livery. It is seen working a Margam to Round Oak loaded steel train.
Certainly looking very smart!
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Snow Hill station this morning for a visit to Birmingham. The empty stock from the train ran down to Worcester, then soon after headed back to Birmingham. A friend at Worcester informed me that it was on the way and I headed to Old Hill to see it.
67006 is seen hauling the train up the bank through Old Hill
What can I say – it was wet!
The only trains we saw were at Okehampton. We had a ride up to Meldon Quarry and saw the other train which runs between Okehampton & Exeter on summer Sundays.
It was a case of take KC for a walk, then decide where to go for lunch, park the car, go to the pub or wherever for the meal, back to the car & return to the bungalow. At least pubs are very “dog friendly” down there!
My word, the grass has grown a lot in the last week – all I need is a dry day to cut it!
