MidlandRed.net

A very welcome Saphos steam charter The Cotswold Express ran from Paddington to Shrub Hill today Saturday 12 September 2020 with Southern Railway West Country steam pacific locomotive 34046 'Braunton' in charge. As usual the sun in early afternoon makes photography somewhat difficult for any train approaching from the south. Note the smoke screen when the engine ran light engine through platform 2 after turning around the 'triangle'!

In addition Class 47 D1935 (47805) 'Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013' brought up the rear in top-and-tail mode and it would have brought the train into Paddington terminus and will be used to take it back out upon arrival back in London. It is also there to assist if there should be any problems with the steam locomotive to prevent delays to scheduled trains in the single line sections over Cotswolds. A few pictures of coaching stock; Enthusiasts present were also treated to 37601 hauling refurbished EMU 350111 through Shrub Hill platform 1 en route between Long Marston and Northampton TMD.

According to John Dancocks, the diesel was there for the airconditioned stock.

Fantastic Tim, what a beauty

Those ROG 37s are awesome too, very loud when opened up.

Thanks, Tim - some super picture Particularly pleased to see Braunton ax I was in the village after which it is named only last week.

I always think it's a good idea to have another loco on a charter train, steam or diesel, although I know it spoils the authenticity. I could write a book about failed locos on charters and the age it seems to take to rdscue them. 6 hours would be my record and that was on the Canterbury to London line!