The 0524 off Leighton beckoned, 317302 arrived right time and unusually with a few bashers aboard as well as the regular “Doris” the train tramp. Steve Chapman joined at a rainy Wolverton. The tour composed of a 10 x Mk I NSE liveried Cobbler rake was already in with BR blue 47544 up front.
An on time 0615 departure from Northampton where the “duff men” were in deep discussion about the expected forthcoming conversion of 50 odd 47’4s to extended range, twin tank 47’8’s. or “twanks”.
Once through Leighton I dossed, stirring in the Kensington Olympia area before we joined the Clapham Jn – Staines – Reading stagger route. The GW main line through Swindon, Parkway and the Severn Tunnel where the heavy rain set in true Welsh style.
At Cardiff a 30 minute delay as 47544 was swapped for 47612 “tiny Titan” which was not well received as Inter City liveried 47612 was to become a twank! Cardiff, the Swansea District line, then we joined the Central Wales line at Hendy Jn. Apart from the Royal train this was the first class 47 hauled passenger train over the Central Wales line, the route being upgraded from the former weight restricted route availability and the first loco hauled passenger train over the rebuilt Glanrhyd bridge.
Climbing from Llandeilo the rain eased and the snow cover was joined which followed all the way to Knighton. At Llandridnod we stopped for the booked almost 2 hour break where after photting the power, we walked along the platform only for an avalanche of snow to fall on us from the station building roof!
47612 at a wintry Llandridnod Wells with the Welsh Mountain Cobbler Tour, Feb 89
A welcome break with a hotel bar and bakers raked in before we departed Northbound around 1520 as darkness descended on the Central Wales line before avoiding Shrewsbury via the Abbey Curve. Wolves, Soho, Aston and Rugby followed before we bailed at the Keynes.
A mini drama at Bletchley on the 2125 M.Keynes – Euston home with 317334/317311 failing at Bletchley, the replacements were 317304/317324 not the 310 units we hoped for!
Organiser – Hertfordshire Railtours/BR Watford Area
Headcode – 1Z46
Timekeeping -30 late ex Cardiff
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