I had the good fortune to travel on this yesterday, a day of hot sunshine. With two 67s and a train of MK2s, we travelled (first class) from mid Cheshire to Chester, Wrexham, Shrewesbury, then Brum NS, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol TM, Taunton, and then onto the WSR tracks to Minehead. At Minehead we transferred to a WSR train (S&D 2-8-0) back up to Bishops Lideyard, where we had time for a stroll around and a few pints, before re-joining our train which had worked up to BL from Minehead. My hair was full of cinders and smuts from leaning out of the first coach listening to the wonderful beat of the 2-8-0 on the banks!
Then, return via the same route. Brum NS was packed (Trent Valley closed), and Pendos were everywhere, including one stopped at a signal near Wolverhampton half a train length behind us! It's great to be able to stand at an opem window on these older trains, feeling the wind and enjoying a pint of real ale (or a glass of wine)!
A great day out! The WSR is a super railway!
And a great thanks to Mid Cheshire Rail User's Association for organising it!
CS
Then, return via the same route. Brum NS was packed (Trent Valley closed), and Pendos were everywhere, including one stopped at a signal near Wolverhampton half a train length behind us! It's great to be able to stand at an opem window on these older trains, feeling the wind and enjoying a pint of real ale (or a glass of wine)!
A great day out! The WSR is a super railway!
And a great thanks to Mid Cheshire Rail User's Association for organising it!
CS