Cotswold Festival Of Steam: May24th 2008
My search for ex SR locos is taking me out of former SR territory, the news that 30850 and 34007 would be working at the Gloucester and Warwick Railway's, "Cotswold Festival of Steam" saw me heading to Cheltenham early on May 24th. With the bonus that non SR locos from classes that also saw SR service would be in use: Hall 7903, and 9F 92203.  next

24 May. And it was such a loco that I saw waiting for service at Toddington, just after my arrival when I had first purchased a ticket to cover my attendance at the Festival: excellent value at £15 including a full programme of events. next

24 May. I soon got ready at Hailes bridge, not far South of Toddington station, and just as well, for 7903 and 34007 headed South light engine a few minutes earlier than booked. next 24 May. 34007, "Wadebridge" soon returned on the first Northbound train from Winchcombe, the 09.50 freight to Toddington.   next 24 May.   next

24 May. After a busy spell of ex GWR locos, ( one of which magnificently reached circa 92 mph in 1904), my highlight of the day approached, 30850, "Lord Nelson" on the 11.10 passenger from Toddington to Cheltenham.    next

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One of the busiest photo spots was overlooking Chicken Curve, just on the exit to Winchcombe station, where 92203 in "1968" condition put on an excellent show. next

24 May. It was just a pity that the sun couldn't stay out as the 9F passed the photographers on the freight to Toddington. next 24 May. next 24 May. next 24 May. Perhaps the dullest moment in a day when sun and cloud eventually gave way to full sunshine was when 34007 left Winchcombe and headed around Chicken Curve with the 14.36 to Toddington. next 24 May. As he sun startd to win the battle with the clouds, 30850 heads towards Hailes Bridge with the 15.02 freight from Toddington. next 24 May. next 24 May. next 24 May. The short stretch from Winchcombe to Toddington proved ideal for an intensive service, with both the freight train and 5542, (here leaving Winchcombe), on the auto trailer making frequent trips. next 24 May. 7903 drifts downhill from Greet Tunnel and into Winchcombe with the 15.10 from Cheltenham. next 24 May. Another highlight of the day, (in addition to seeing 30850 in action), was the sight of 34007 and 92203 doubleheading the 17.20 from Cheltenham to Toddington. next 24 May. The doubleheader heads away form Cheltenham Station at the start of the climb up to Greet tunnel. next 24 May. Appropriately the train carried a "Pines Express" headboard, re-kindling memories of such doubleheaded workings so many years ago. top  Cotswold Festival of Steam continued  Index