A Grand Day Out!
To quote my Heroe's Wallace and Grommitt I have to report having a Grand Day Out!
I have had the priveledge of taking part in a "Vintage Trains" I-Zulu-48 rail excursion from Bristol Templemeads to Plymouth behind an Ex GWR Warship Class Diesel "Western Warrior. The return part of the trip was steam hauled behind Ex GWR Castle Class Earl of Mt Edgecombe.
This was the first time I had ridden behind vintage locomotives on the main line, and at main line speeds! Indeed the Castle was obviously well on song, and with Co-operative signalling and a spot on departure from Plymouth at 3.00pm, the train arrived at Bristol Templemeads 40 minutes early, the whole route being a classic of smoothness and well controled use of power.! In short a splendid performance!
Both trains and their associated rolling stock were in Ist Class order and paid tribute to their operators Vintage Trains Ltd.
TF