31285 was working an Exeter to Derby test train. It was a loco I had not seen before, so suggested to Margaret that we take KC for a walk over Bromsgrove way. She knows there is always an ulterior motive to such suggestions & was not surprised when I explained a train was due “soon after 11am”.

I stood on the bridge as “they” had a walk around the nearby field. Thunder sounded in the distance but the rain held off, they were soon back on the bridge with me. Other people walking dogs helped pass the time as we waited. It was late – a Hereford trained passed under the bridge & I was expecting the 31 to be held at Droitwich for it, but in the distance I heard the noise of a diesel loco, it was the 31, soon the yellow of the DBSO appeared in the distance with the loco propelling. It was booked to stop in the loop, but did not slow down and went speeding by towards the Lickey Incline.

Task completed, head home for lunch, then Shrewsbury in the afternoon to see 76079, but you already know about that – it was in the previous update.

Link to photos, only 3

One photo here, you’ll have to click the link to see what the others are!