The “Quantock Crompton” tour, Sat August 24th 1996
33202 and 33208 at Padd with the outward “Quantock Pullman” tour
The Moves
321410 0516 Rugby – Euston L.Buzzard – Euston
165133 0725 Padd -Greenford Padd – Ealing Broadway
165110 0624 Berwyn – Padd Ealing Broadway – Padd
33202} 1Z33 – 0900 Padd – Minehead (via Westbury) 167.46m
33208}
25173}
33202} 1Z34 – 1654 Minehead – Padd (Minehead to B.Lyd) 19.69m
33208}
33202} 1Z34 – 1654 Minehead – Padd (via Bristol, Westbury East) 173.1m
33208}
321404 2234 Euston – M.Keynes Euston – L.Buzzard
Tour Review
I arrived at a sunny Padd around 8am, 47574 had brought the 12Mk I’s (including 2 buffets) in well early, our power, the high mileage railtour regular 33202 and 33208 werent well placed for phots from memory. On joining my allocated seat i was shocked to see my colleague (no longer with us) had decided to bring his mother along as a last minute decision.
Back then only a few Grannys did Hertfordshire tours, by 2022 they dominate most Hertfordshire Railtours consist sadly. So the atmosphere on the outward leg on our table was a bit subdued, rigid 60 mph running didnt help nor did a very loud spotter on the table opposite, “I’ve cleared my GW HST’s you know” being bellowed more than once …twat.
A pathing stop at Crowcombe on the scenic West Somerset allowed us all to stretch our legs and phot the Hanktons.
The return journey was much more lively, 25173 topped the Hanktons to Bishops Lydeard allowing bursts of triple Sulzer thrash, much bellowing! Once on the main line the “Slim’s” were worked hard, much 90mph running and thrash as the sun went down.
Not a classic tour but 360 x 2 “slim” miles made it better in retrospect.
Tour Phots
Paddington at 0717 that morning, Turbo’s, trams and no wires!
Former Stratford machine 47574 at the blocks at Padd with the tour ECS alongside the cab road
33202 and 33208 at Blue Anchor? on the West Somerset railway during a pathing stop
25173 looking good about to release the tour ECS form Minehead
33202 and 33208 at the blocks at Minehead
D2133 still in her Courtals, Briish Cellaphane Bridgewater livery at Minehead, a true survivor
Homeward bound, 25173 with 1Z34 up front and 33208 and 33202 prior to tour departure
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