Tangmere's Private Charter To Canterbury 19-04-08

Tangmere's third visit to Canterbury in as many weeks, this time with the Queen of Scots set on a private charter. The train ran empty from Clapham yard to its pick-up point at Weybridge and we first see it near Chertsey, just after the crossing of the M25. The get away from Weybridge is captured from a road bridge to the east of the station. A passer-by thought the smoke was excessive; it's a good thing he wasn't with us at the next location -- a foot crossing just outside Shoreham station.
The short water stop at Lenham enabled us to get ahead again for a quick shot of the train as it passes under the A20 near Westwell Leacon. The raising of the height of the fence next to the crossing at Chilham since we were last there meant that shot was lost, so we move on to the servicing stop at Canterbury where the loco was oiled round, the coal was pulled forward and water and tea were exchanged over the fence, although not in equal quantities.
The departure from Canterbury, ten minutes early, caught us out so we move to a strangely deserted Martin Mill station for the next shot.
The train stopped again at Folkestone West for more water and, according to someone who was there, was met by a jazz band playing happy birthday. If anyone was given the bumps on the platform, he didn't say.
The final scene shows the train passing through Saltwood tunnel and Sandling station on its way up to Victoria.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Tangmere
• Canterbury

[AJ385]

Great stuff IZ64. You were almost right about the Jazz band. I was one of the musicians who met the train at Weybridge. The occassion was a Birthday party for a guy who used to come and see my band play in London. We played on the train and then again at Folkestone before swinging back to Victoria. We had a very good run back (the journey out was very stop, start). Were held outside Victoria as we were 3mins early. Great day & good to see a young fireman on the footplate!!

[1Z64]

Thank you for writing, it's always nice when someone who was on, or connected with, the train adds some background detail to what I've written. If we had known that the stop at Folkestone West was going to be more than just a water stop, and that the train would stand there for all of its booked time and not leave early, we would have called in there and would probably have got some shots of you in action.

[lanarkboys2007]

1 word for this video FANTASTIC

[1Z64]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[bathboysteve]

Some Excellent Shots Here. I Particularly Liked The Tunnel Shot, 5*!

[1Z64]

Thanks! I thought some people might feel that the tunnel shot was a bit long but I didn't want to lose the train entering the other end and I couldn't cut the middle bit out so I left it long.

[colinroymitchell]

Great video - and a very belated thank you from me too as I've only just found it - I was the charterer! In spite of the weather it was a great day, so many people "went the extra mile" particularly as the loco had a bit of a mishap only the day before. I hope the train carries on with its new owners, incredible that the 1890 LNWR Dining Car can still run on the network. The ED on the back was needed as a barrier vehicle to protect the Observation Car, as well as shunting. Thanks again!

[heezabirddog]

cant wait to see her come down the sidcup/dartford loop line at the end of march heading the " Kentish Belle"

[heezabirddog]

What a great video!! shame about the piece of c**p on the tail of her. it seems to demean her. it's a shame that the turn around cant be sorted another way. still a great vid; though.

[rbnoremac]

Amazing!!! 5*

[21C123]

Fantastic video, the last scene of Tangmere emerging from Saltwood tunnel is awesome.

[HSTHoward]

great shot of it coming through the tunnel 5555*