Cotswold Explorer steam charter
Cotswold Explorer steam charter
Saturday 8 April 2023 saw the Saphos-organised 'Cotswold Explorer' charter work into Worcester Shrub Hill from Norwich via London with Class 47 D1924 (47810) 'Crewe Diesel Depot' and Thompson B1 4-6-0 steam locomotive 61306 'Mayflower' in 'top and tail' mode. It was due to be steam hauled through Oxford over the North Cotswold line on the inward journey, but the collapse of river bridge between Oxford and Didcot and complete line closure on Monday meant it ran via Swindon and Stroud into Gloucester where it reversed enabling diesel haulage to Worcester. This also meant that it didn't need to go onto the depot or use the triangle for turning as the steam loco was then on the correct end for return journey to London. It also made photography more difficult than usual as the train was hidden behind the pair of 196 DMUs in the yard.
Finally, 196003 and 196105 are seen stabled in the yard with the huge apartment block as a backdrop; this ugly edifice has now been glazed up to the second floor accommodation.
Re: Cotswold Explorer steam charter
She looks a treat Tim.
Re: Cotswold Explorer steam charter
Both locomotives and the twelve coaches were all immaculately presented and looked to be recently completed restoration jobs. Shame that the train was heavily delayed coming in via Kemble; it was originally booked into Shrub Hill at 14-22, returning at 16-33, amended to 14-46 arrival with the diversion because of that river bridge closure near Culham, between Didcot and Oxford . In the end it didn't arrive until 15-44 or depart until 17-22, which meant hundreds of passengers milling about the station without having a look at the wonders of Worcester City centre.
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