30453 King Arthur to Stratford on Avon 23-04-10

Friday 23rd April, and another Cathedrals Express to Stratford Upon Avon, this time behind 30453 King Arthur. This is believed to be the first time this loco has run on the main line since it was cut up in the early 1960s.
Ok so it wasnt really King Arthur but 30777 Sir Lamiel wearing a different pair of nameplates and rather dodgy cabside number stickers.
First up is the view from a bridge at Purley On Thames as the loco, which could be heard long before it came into view, accelerates away from Tilehurst.
Next is Somerton. This was a shot to nothing as with time running out all we could find was this roadside vantage point near the site of Fritwell & Somerton station. One passing vehicle and the shot would have been ruined but, as luck would have it, the last car passed seconds before the train appeared and the moment the train had gone a huge tractor came along, towing a large metal roller.
A road accident in Adderbury meant that we missed the departure from Banbury so we went on to Stratford, further than we had planned to go, and caught the arrival, the shunting of the stock and the departure of the light engine to Dorridge.
Unable to stay in Stratford and cover the return run we had to settle for a single night shot at Taplow.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• 30453
• King
• Arthur
• 30777
• Sir
• Lamiel
• Cathedrals
• Express

[robmasterman]

Superb quality throughout Martyn, which always makes watching your work a real pleasure..Thanks...Bob

[1Z64]

@robmasterman Sorry for the delay in replying Bob but thanks for your kind continued support.

[hurleyfunbags]

Another superb compilation chaps. We had a great run wtih 30777 on this trip and it was a shame you couldn't wait around to get the powerful departure from Stratford and the climb up Wilmcote bank. Still, you got a cracking shot of the King Arthur at speed through Taplow. I would give this 5 stars if the ratings still existed and it' now in my favourties.

[1Z64]

@hurleyfunbags Thanks mate, i'm glad you had a good trip. Lifting 12 out of Stratford unaided is some achievement for a King Arthur and must have sounded great. After Taplow we made it to Olympia to catch the unscheduled station stop, but had to bin the shot in order to bring the final edit in under the ten minute limit.

[EMuksteam]

Excellent videeo she looked magnificant 5*

[1Z64]

@EMuksteam Thanks. It's good to see this loco back on the main line as it was a regular performer on this route out of Marylebone in the eighties when i first started videoing

[eggbert21]

superb video, always a pleasure to watch such quality, 5 * and faved. Eggy

[1Z64]

@GreatWestern175 Thanks Ryan. 30777 doesn't seem to be venturing further west than Dorset this year at present but May 22nd acting as banker to 70013 out of Weymouth looks well worth a trip.

[1Z64]

@NwsNoaaChaser Thanks for the comment James, 30777 certainly will be busy in Dorset this year starting May 22nd acting as banker to 70013 out of Weymouth.

[1Z64]

@60103Henry Cheers. I said you were probably in it.

[1Z64]

@concretejockey Thank you sir. You're most welcome.