Torbay Express from Newport to Bristol and Paignton 20th Dec

[mow]

Just noticed a rearrangement of a Past Time Rail tour. They had been planning to run a train to London from Cardiff with 6024 King Ed I, on Dec 20th. It is now cancelled. So the Torbay Express is going from Newport to Temple Meads to Weston etc.

"The Christmas Capitals United Express 20th December 2008
Unfortunately we have had to cancel this tour as we have been advised by EWS that they are unable to resource two steam operations on the same date,this is despite having both specifications and deposits since September.

We are understandably extremely annoyed at this enforced cancellation.In an endeavour to lessen the disappointment we have requested and been granted permission to start our Yuletide Torbay Express with steam haulage from Newport on 20th December 2008.
Hauled by ex Great Western King Class No 6024 'King Edward 1'the tour will depart Newport at around 08.15.The return journey will be steam hauled as far as Bristol Temple Meads where steam will be replaced by diesel for the return to Newport with an anticipated arrival time of 21.30."

http://www.past-timerail.co.uk/index.php/news.html

So there is an opportunity to photograph the King climbing from the Severn Tunnel to Patchway.

[Rich_Eason]

So there is an opportunity to photograph the King climbing from the Severn Tunnel to Patchway.

An opportunity like this doesn't come from very often from that direction....

Noted! Thanks Mike

[BristleGWR]

Yes, as you say a potentially great opportunity for some photography, just got to work out where the best place to be would be!!

[Rich_Eason]

End of Platform 2 Pilning .

At that time of the morning the sun is behind you...

[mow]

End of Platform 2 Pilning .

At that time of the morning the sun is behind you...

Oh, no it isn't.....

Oh yes it is...etc, etc.

As Past Time were offering tickets to a pantomine at Kingswear.

[Rich_Eason]

Or...

A bit further up the line at the Cattybrook Brickworks...

Both equally good locations on the climb up to Bristol.

The only comment about the Brickworks is that in the morning it tends to be in the shadow of the morning Sun and can be quite misty as it not as exposed as Pilning( !).

Pilning full view down towards the tunnel giving plenty of time for preparation of shots and viewing. Keep low (i.e. off the bridge) to avoid the nearby over head power lines being in shot.

[mow]

UK Steam now listing the times from Newport to Bristol -

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs08.htm#twk

Newport p1 d 08.15
Severn Tunnel Jc 08.32
Patchway 08.54
Bristol TM p10 a 09.14

[nineflover]

does anyone know the best place in the backwell farleigh or on the lulsgate plateau to pan - video trains coming out of tyntesfield cutting and down the long embankment through nailsea station?

[mow]

Three shots from a dark and dismal morning at Pilning of a rapid run from 6024.

http://michael527.fotopic.net/c1626953.html

[Rich_Eason]

My pic from yesterdays storming run up out of the tunnel. It really was impressive to see it battling the climb with what appeared somewhat ease, especially considering the Class 67 on the rear.

I'm not sure if it was helping or hindering...

[mow]

Nice shot Richard, shame that the sun didn't show up yesterday morning. I thought that the unit which stopped at Pilning made heavy weather of the departure. The driver must have been surprised to see a full car park and a small army encamped on the station.

Hadn't realised that there was a diesel on the back until the train had passed by.

I guess that the next steam from Wales will be c. St David's Day, and I hope that there is some sunshine.

[mow]

Was seeing off my father at lunch time, and much to my surprise, 6024 and water carrier passed through Temple Meads for the West Somerset Railway.

http://michael527.fotopic.net/c1628133_1.html