34067 Tangmere. The Bath & Bristol Christmas Express. 24th Nov. 2011

The Christmas Market in the area around Bath Abbey has become a firm favourite with shoppers from all over the country. To celebrate the first day of this years 18 day market, The Railway Touring Company enlisted un-rebuilt Bulleid pacific: Tangmere, to head this tour from Poole to Bristol for a bit of communal retail therapy of the festive kind and as this was my last chance of filming mainline steam this year we decided to join the shoppers and enjoy the atmosphere. We pick up the tour on the outward leg passing West Grimstead where, because of high winds, I was forced to the near-side and the full wind-rush of a steam train passing at speed! A generous water stop at Salisbury allowed me to get to Bapton for the next shot, where 34067 looks like its Hornby counterpart, fresh out of the box, in wonderful muted November sunlight, but unfortunately accompanied by the background noise of two Police helicopters, possibly chasing turkey rustlers! The market gets more and more crowded as Christmas approaches and it was very pleasant strolling around with plenty of room to browse the many stalls with the Christmas atmosphere increasing as the light faded to darkness. Most would call me mad for my last shot, in total darkness, from high up on Bathwick Hill. The gift-laden passengers await their return train and after boarding, without the customary whistle, Tangmere silently pulls out of Bath Spa station, the lights of the city just about silhouetting 34067 as she picks up speed on her way back to the south coast.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• steam train
• christmas shopping
• S.R.

[Steamclips]

Hi Martyn and thank you for the kind remarks. I love steam at night and even if you don't get good views, the atmosphere usually makes up for it! Alan.

[XxBec3509]

Lovely video very weldone many thanks for sharing from Sean :)

[Steamclips]

Hi Sean, nice to hear from you and thank you for the kind comments. Looking forward to seeing you lineside in 2012. Alan

[letmadnessbegin]

A lovely selection of shots Alan, Tangmere performing well throughout the day. Love the shot on the hill at Bath, very atmospheric.

Thumbs up

[Steamclips]

Hi Kristian: thank you for the nice comments, I took a chance in such dark conditions and cranked up the gain for the end of the sequence. Alan

[cutmasterc7]

nice video

[Steamclips]

Hi: thank you for commenting, glad you enjoyed. Alan

[1Z64]

Lovely video Alan. As for your last shot at Bath I wouldn't say you're mad at all. What you are doing is showing what can be achieved with a little imagination and at the same time proving that you don't have to go home just because it's got dark. Liked.

[Steamclips]

Hi Phil and thank you for the kind comments, glad you enjoyed. Are lucky to have such good weather at this time of year. Alan

[981smithy]

Excellent coverage and all three locations were worthy on there own from a close up shot to an excellent pan shot and finally the lights of Bath making a splendid backdrop.

Thanks for posting...........Phil.