The Bristol Railway Archive

UK Steam shows a loaded test run from Bristol for 70000 Britannia to Taunton on Wednesday 16th March c. 20.30.

http://uksteam.info/tours/t11/t0316p.htm

In case anyone doesn't know the engine is running in unlined black livery last seen in 1951.

Britannia was 1 hour late at least when I turned up at Temple Meads, waited until c.9.55, and noticed that the hosepipe was being rolled up. Station PA announced that the Steam Special was not going to stop at Bristol, but was going to head off to Bath and Westbury.

There were about 12 or more disappointed people packing up cameras soon afterwards. Had hoped to post s shot or two tonight....

Britannia eventually made it through Bristol and down towards Bishop Lydeard. I was Pilotman for Single Line Working over the Up Main between Highbridge and Cogload Junction. Its late running was great for me because it meant I had to travel on her to return with 1A40 (the wakers). I only had my iPhone with me so the photos aren't great...

On the footplate of 70000 'Britannia' working a delayed 5Z75 2059 Bristol Temple Meads - Bishops Lydeard. The romantic glow of B74 Signal (Highbridge) can be seen as we wait patiently for 1C32 Paddington - Exeter to clear Cogload Junction.



Slightly more impressive then the 143 on 2C93 I'd dealt with earlier.



After the pointwork at Highbridge it's 50mph to Bridgwater. Wop wop...



50mph, you'll have to trust me on that one!



Not a bad nights work!

I heard it whistle at c21:40 on the approach to FAW and again about 22:05 I heard it again starting from what sounded like a standing start at FAW?

Alex,

Where and when did you join the engine? Did it go through Temple Meads in the end?

Hello all,

First post from me but been an avid reader for years!

Having heard 71000 was running late I didn't have long to hang around so went to Filton AW to film it which is a suprisingly good location to film coming off the junction (for noise). It was held for almost 15 minutes waiting for a stopping unit from Parkway (goodness knows why) when it appeared it slowed and stopped with the engine just in the platform for an unscheduled 'set down' ?! which was handy for me filming on the end of platform....nice restart

Cheers
Mike, Mangotsfield

mow wrote:Alex,

Where and when did you join the engine? Did it go through Temple Meads in the end?

Highbridge B74 Signal (just Bristol side of the station) at about 0040. Yep, it went through Temple Meads.

Alex

Well theres always the weekend at the WSR. As I couldn't wait any longer last night at Worle junction. By the timings above I would have to wait quite a while to see it, but will go down to see it on the weekend.