Two Castles to Didcot.. 5043 and 7029.. 04/03/2023

[Western Venturer]

Vintage Trains ran a private charter from Birmingham Snow Hill to Didcot on the 4th March 2023 for Shareholders who contributed to the forming of Vintage Trains as a Train Operating Company through the Community Benefit Society. The locomotives used were 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.
While at Didcot the visiting locomotives were lined up alongside Didcot residents as the Didcot Railway Centre was open for the charter passengers and general public.

 

[45669]

Afternoon All,

On Saturday, Vintage Trains ran a special train from Birmingham to the Didcot Railway Centre using two Castles double heading. This was quite a sight and I went to Oxford and Banbury to see the train on its return run back to Birmingham. South of Oxford, the train was delayed by a P.W. slack so it was really thrashing through Oxford as it made up the lost time. I captured this on video, along with a spirited departure from Banbury and this now on my YouTube channel. The footage from Didcot, where the two Castles were lined up with Didcot's own two Castles, will have to wait until I've got more time, but in the meantime, here's the footage from Oxford and Banbury:

TTFN,

Ron.

 

[45669]

The first part of my footage shot at Didcot Loco Shed showing the four Castles lined up in a row is also now on YouTube if anyone would like to have a look:

Further episodes to follow as time allows.

TTFN,

Ron.

 

[45669]

Part 2 of the footage shot at the Didcot Railway Centre featuring the four Castles line up (and 'Large Prairie' 2-6-2T 4144) can now be seen on YouTube:

Hope you like it.

TTFN,

Ron.

 

[45669]

The rest of my footage from Didcot on Saturday is now on YouTube. It's broken down into short clips which I hope makes for easier viewing:

https://www.youtube.com/@ronfisher2-railwaytravelvideos/videos

TTFN,

Ron.