Thanks to a friend down Worcester way, I knew the train was on the way. It has been about a year since I saw one of these trains on this route.
Always difficult here with the sun late in the day
On the way back from Llangollen we had to pass Bridgnorth, so you have to call in at the station to see what was happening, don’t you!! It was our lucky day, an unusual whistle was heard, but the loco was nowhere in sight as we walked onto the platform. 34053 was apparently undergoing running in tests and was steaming backwards & forwards when the line was clear. It was not too long before it appeared and ran into platform 2. Over the next hour we saw it repeat the movement several times. 43106 was seen on a service train and the boiler from 2857 was undergoing a steam test.
34053 is seen pulling away after the arrival of 43106
A visit to Llangollen for a ride on the train. 7822 was our loco and it is seen at Carrog & Llangollen.
Seen here leaving Llangollen
Once again, diesels are active again with just 2 steam locos out, although 50135 is on a Driving Experience. Both steam locos were running backwards when I saw them, so plenty of photos of the diesels in action.
D821 is seen passing 50135
The steam loco shortage is obvious here, with 3 of the service trains hauled by diesels. 7812 was required for a Footplate Experience, with just 43106 available for one of the 4 service trains. All the trains are seen passing Arley as we enjoyed the warm weather!
50135 passing 50031 at Arley
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
