6th August and another Cathedrals Express to Bristol with 70013 Oliver Cromwell. The day began on a warm and sunny station footbridge at Addlestone (I'm glad I hadn't chosen the platform).
With a fast run down to Basingstoke and only a short water stop at Overton it proved difficult to stay ahead of the train and we arrived at the bridge overlooking Grately station with only minutes to spare. It was shortly after leaving Grately that the rain started, rain that would continue for the rest of the day.
While the loco took more water at Salisbury we moved on to Bath. There were once several vantage points from which one could video a departure from Bath Spa, one or two have disappeared behind trees and bushes and in a couple of years the view from the grass bank by the roundabout will have joined them.
For the return, not wishing to get caught up in the weekday traffic of Bath, we went straight to the old favourite, Upton Scudamore and the bridge at the top of the bank, or in this case bridges as we also used the farm/footpath bridge at the very top of the climb.
With another water stop at Salisbury before a fast run back to London, straight up the main line it was clear that we were only going to see the train once more so we chose Whitchurch.
Question:
How many people does it take to video a steam train? Two. One to work the camera and one to hold the umbrella.

On to the 8th August and The Downsman, a Victoria Guildford Victoria circular with 34067 Tangmere. On leaving Victoria the train ran via Kensington Olympia, Willesden and Acton before rejoining the more usual route through Brentford.
The train was running seven minutes early as it made a cautious approach to South Acton and swung right at Bollo Lane Junction. The seven minutes proved useful, as they were added to the time the train was due to stand at Old Kew Junction awaiting a path out onto the southern and, as we drove along the elevated section of the M4, the train could be seen waiting at the signal. Taking advantage of this we went to the bridge in Clayponds Avenue that overlooks the single lead junction.
The rare sight of a sunny day meant that the roads were busy so we played safe and avoided Guildford heading instead for Betchworth for the third and last shot of the day. (less info)