Cotswold Festival of Steam 31 May 2008

The second Saturday of the Cotswold Festival saw similar, but much warmer weather. 850 "Lord Nelson" was replaced by the reliable 4F 44422.

Once again I was in the company of Clive Hanley who, as we shall see later, was in a waspish mood!

Guest locos - prairie 5619 and 4F 44422 - take the 10am past Didbrook. This location is fast becoming unusable as the lineside bushes grow with gay abandon. I was told that the brightness of this picture was due to something called 'sunshine'; we live and learn. (2.8mB)

The crew produce an excellent performance from veteran world record holder 3440 "City of Truro" departing Winchcombe with the 11:20. We met Graham and Gordon at this location. Earlier in the day Gordon's face had been covered in black spots. Was it a case of a plague of blackheads or a medieval skin disease? He claimed he had received a dousing from some filthy loco at Toddington, but I intend to where my cross for another month... just in case. (3.1mB)

The 9F 92203 formerly known as [Black] Prince makes a dramatic showing as she pulls the lunchtime goods around Chicken Curve in front of a very large gallery. Here we met Chris the Camper, who brings his tent to any event he attends, in the company of a glamorous young lady. If he managed to persuade her to visit the pub that night, one can only imagine her reaction later in the evening to a request of "How about a coffee back at my tent?" (3.0mB)

Guest 4F 44422 is shown at Toddington undergoing preparation for the day's work in the company of the loco she replaced "Lord Nelson" who was standing on the other side of the fence in the public gallery. Later we see the 4F exit Greet Tunnel in front of a long line of photographers. (2.4mB)

Competing with the harmonious sound of a blackbird, 7903 powers up Defford Straight with the 15:41 ex Winchcombe. (2.5mB)

The sky became very dark at Dixton as we waited for Bulleid West Country Pacific 34007 "Wadebridge" and 92203 with the final train of the day. Powering through impressively, a debate then ensued among those present as to whether the Bulleid was pulling the 9F or the 9F was pushing the Bulleid. The West Country must have been working reasonably hard as you could actually hear her.

During our sojourn at Dixton, Clive bravely challenged 3 characters who were on the lineside without hi-viz vests at various places and, although 'bang to rights', got a typical 2008 response from 2 of them. After prising Clive apart from the third of the improperly clad linesiders I drove rapidly to Hailes for a second viewing, mercifully meeting no "Cotswold drivers" on the way. (2.8mB)

Cotswold Festival of Steam 24 May 2008

The weather forecast was not too promising for the first weekend of this annual gala, but in the event it was not too bad, although there was a gusty wind and fast moving cloud which did an effective job of synchronising with the run pasts.

A large cast of locomotives featured notable guest engines 850 Lord Nelson, 34007 Wadebridge and GWR prairie 5619. The event also took the opportunity to celebrate the purchase of 92203 Black Prince by well-known artist David Shepherd. I'm spoiled by the intensity of galas on the GCR no doubt, but I did wonder whether the expense of running so many guest locos for a couple of runs each day was really worthwhile. I'm not complaining though!

Clive and I met Chris, known professionally as Stuart C Newman (who was on his first visit to the line) in the car park and offered to show him some of the better-known locations. Graham and Gordon were also on duty, together with Chris P. the Big Issue salesman who is feeling the effects of the credit crunch to the extent that he cannot afford to buy any stock. This should be temporary as he is just about to publish his first book with the Orwellian title, "Down and Out in Cheddleton and Winchcombe", for which he is hoping (some would say optimistically) to receive a down payment of a couple of four packs.

In bizarre fashion, guest loco Bulleid Pacific 34007 "Wadebridge", was held at Winchcombe to allow a 2-2-0 tractor to precede her up the line (royalty in the brake van possibly?). As you will see, this vehicle duly parked up in full view of our party on Defford Straight just before the train arrived....we did wonder why nobody else was using this popular location. (2.3mB)

Wearing a head-board that is several sizes too big, guest GWR prairie 5619 poses with 3440 "City of Truro" at Toddington. We later see them rounding the curve at Hailes. (2.7mB)

Star attraction was SR 4-6-0 850 Lord Nelson which, making a comeback, is driven very carefully around the curve at Didbrook in front of a very large gallery. All to no avail as this seemingly fated loco was failed in the afternoon with a leaky firebox. (2.7mB)

Poor timing: local GWR engine 7903 "Foremarke Hall" accelerates a goods train at Chicken Curve. Unfortunately for the enormous gallery - a substantially larger number than you would generally see at the Cheltenham Town FC stadium where my team will be playing for the first time next season - the driver decided to 'put the hammer down' long after most of the gallery had taken their shots and were busy admiring them on their digital screens. (3.0mB)

Clive's casual suggestion to David Shepherd last month that Black Prince be turned out in the condition in which he took delivery of her back in 1968 became a reality when the idea was adopted by the railway. Some did not approve and voiced their objections vehemently, but this particular piece of theatre generally went down well with the grumps at the lineside.

This shot shows an un-named loco number 92203 (I'm not allowed to call it Black Prince) making a good showing at Chicken Curve, with some unwanted accompaniment from the strong wind and a lone red poppy blowing in the breeze as she runs away from the camera. At this location I bumped into official GWSR videographer Geoff Sanders from whose work I discovered many of the locations I now use regularly. Many thanks Geoff. (2.5mB).

The last run of the day featured 34007 "Wadebridge" and an un-named 9F (92203 as far as I could make out) in tandem. I chose the wildflower garden in Dixton cutting for this shot. Before the arrival of the train Graham and Gordon raised Clive's hopes by explaining their intention of getting some teasels in the shot. Clive, who attends steam events on sufferance, thought they said diesels and was disappointed when two steamers arrived. Meanwhile Graham Briggs showed us the cover of his latest DVD project which covers the well-known annual run to Skegness for buses, bikes and similar (says he is doing someone a favour!).....umm yes.....very interesting Graham. (2.0mB)

The seductively beautiful GWR Prairie 5542 spent all day pulling the two coach autotrain back and forth to Winchcombe. I took the opportunity of using "YouTube's" High Definition mode, which, with files 4x larger, is almost as good as my standard wmv format. The imitation whistle at Toddington in the final section rivals the asinine cry on US Golf Courses of "Get in the hole" as Tiger Woods drives off from the tee and Peter Alliss mumbles for the thousandth time "oh no, how can anyone be as stupid as that" to himself. (5mins 10secs)

Wildlife and Steam on Tour 12 April 2008

A David Shepherd painting exhibition at Winchcombe was the feature of the day and a chance to meet the great man. His painting always look good in books and magazines, but you can only see the true quality when you confront them in the 'flesh', as it were, at close hand.

David's engine  9F 92203 "Black Prince" featured with 7903 "Foremarke Hall which replaced rostered GWR loco 5619.

Clive Hanley was set to visit the diesel Gala at the GCR and to catch some shots of Oliver Cromwell, recently steam-tested and reunited with its boiler, but was persuaded to visit the GWSR to see some real locomotives in action. Unfortunately he was re-acquainted with my jinx which saw only two passing shots in sunshine during a day on which there was plenty of sun. A classic sequence at Greet Tunnel (not shown) showed Black Prince pass out of the sunshine into cloud as she came into view and then, at the very instant it entered the tunnel, the sun returned.

92203 Black Prince takes the first train of the day out of Cheltenham. There appears to be a speed restriction up to the end of the straight. (2.3mB)

7903 Foremarke Hall in the sunshine as she runs through the landscaped parkland of Dixton. The railway have the use of a heavy-duty flail which they have used to good effect at this once heavily vegetated location. A badly mauled engine block on the bank evidenced the power it brings to bear.  (2.6mB)

With rain threatening, 92203 Black Prince accelerates away from Gotherington and past Skew bridge. I was not popular as the extra distance I walked to the bridge delayed the chase to Hailes where Clive just got his shot and failed I to set up my camera in time. I just shook my head. (2.3mB)

For once parting clouds greeted the metronomic beat of 7903 Foremarke Hall as she passed over Skew Bridge and came into view at Dixton bridge with the last train of the day. However the sun was dead ahead and partially obscured by some high cloud. My frantic waving for an upping of the beat elicited no response from the crew. (3.4mB)

Christmas Cracker 29 December 2007

For once Clive Hanley and I were lucky with the weather at the GWSR's annual steam event with a sunny, though very gusty morning. The clouds duly arrived at lunchtime but fortunately the promised showers did not show up....nor did many photographers though the I'm pleased to say that trains looked well loaded.

Five locomotives were in steam including the beautiful J15 no. 65462 from the North Norfolk Railway which is the line's guest loco for the winter season. Newly arrived industrial tank locomotive number 15, owned by a GWSR director,  will remain on the railway for many years to come.

J15 no. 65462 emerges through Hailes bridge with her first run of the day with the local. (2.2mB)

After the token exchange at Toddington, the newly arrived industrial tank no.15 accelerates up to the 10mph speed restriction as she heads towards Didbrook with the local. Later we see her coasting down Defford Straight towards Winchcombe. (3.3mB)

Editor's Note: the current livery, which is so unusual, is apparently merely an undercoat. She will shortly receive a glamorous topcoat of ... ummm brown.. paint. One is brought to mind of colour descriptions of motor vehicles, "Blazer Blue", "Colorado Red" or "Panther Black". Can anyone think of an appropriate colour name for this particular shade of brown? Clive's suggestion on the day was not acceptable!

92203 Black Prince at Chicken Curve. Thankfully the dark clouds which moved overhead as we awaited the 9F's departure, dissipated as the train as the train left Winchcombe and three minutes later the sun shone brightly in a largely cloudless sky. (3.3mB)

The cloud soon returned in time for City of Truro's departure from Winchcombe with the 3:20. Bang on cue, and with what seems to be monotonous regularity at this location, a light aircraft passed over as 3440 departed.  (3.7mB)

Editor's note: the line clearance team have done a brilliant job in removing the vegetation which had taken over this section of track.

7903 Foremarke Hall emerges from Greet Tunnel and runs down the grade towards Winchcombe Station where she crossed over with 3440 (previous clip). My own efforts at a spot of impromptu lineside clearance were met with some disparaging remarks from the permanent way team who happened to be returning to Winchcombe at the time. Thanks for the encouragement lads! (2.4mB)

NRM Locomotives: 25 August 2007

The two National Railway Museum stars, 4771 "Green Arrow" and 3440 "City of Truro" were again running together on the Gloucester Warwicks. The weather was a complete contrast from last week with bright sunshine all day.

Once again Clive Hanley was able to get a pass for the day. We also ran into Matt Allen and several other familiar faces.

4771 "Green Arrow" accelerates round the curve at Didbrook with the 11:30 after the speed restriction out of Toddington. (2.3mB)

3440 "City of Truro" emerges from Greet Tunnel with the 1:10 from Winchcombe. She is priming slightly, which assures the waiting gallery of some exhaust. Later we see her cruising past Gotherington Halt. (3.3mB)

An enthusiastic departure from Winchcombe Station by Green Arrow with the 2:25 accompanied by the buzz of a light aircraft which arrived, right on cue, at departure time. Ironically I had just been discussing with the photographers the peacefulness of the location and the contrasting cacophony whenever a train is in the offing. How right I was!  (3.8mB)

Green Arrow storms through Hailes with the 4:35 ex Toddington. (1.7mB)

Foul Summer Day: 18 August 2007

The developing fault with my XM2 - it thinks the tape has jammed and demands immediate ejection - reached a critical point when (inevitably) it failed on the first (and best) shot of the day! Unfortunately I had my ancient  XM1 with me which capably performed its duties for the rest of the day...and what a day it was, wet, windy and utterly foul! A good test for my new up-market umbrella, which performed admirably...in contrast to the XM2.

Fortunately intrepid photographer Clive Hanley was able to obtain a pass out for the day from his wife and joined me around lunch time after a trip to Tyseley, which lifted the feelings of gloom and despondency which had begun to set in.

The reason for the visit was to witness a rare pairing of two NRM locos - Green Arrow and City of Truro.

I have conjoined the three runs of 3440 "City of Truro" onto this one clip which illustrates the way the weather developed over the day. (4.2mB)

Didbrook: according to fellow photographer Chris who was observing proceedings from the branches of a nearby tree, the passenger you can see leaning out of the window is none other than Toddington stationmaster, master photographer and (latterly) TV personality, Malcolm Ranieri. Is he trying to get in on the footage or is he just looking for a glimmer of sunshine in the distance. If we've misidentified you Malcolm, please let me know and I will issue a humble apology!

Hailes: standing under the bridge for this one - a pan would have resulted in a 'white-out'. Far Stanley: this was filmed in horrendous conditions, watch for the rain sheeting across the frame as 3440 comes into view.

4771 Green Arrow departs Wincombe with the 1pm. The strong wind and rain was coming from behind the camera, making the train sound very distant. (3.5mB)

4771 leads the 3:15 through the curve at Didbrook. A temporary speed restriction ends near the signal. (2.5mB)

Lovely Summer Day: 7 July 2007

Beautiful weather in the Vale of Evesham on Saturday as I sought more footage of the seemingly doomed "Green Arrow". However, with the sun "failing" on two of my clips of that loco it fell to Foremarke Hall, which produced sunshine on all 3 of its appearances, to feature in my latest clip selection.

7903 Foremarke Hall steams up the bank towards Hailes around lunchtime.(2.7mB)

A pause for some views over the lovely Vale of Evesham before Green Arrow (4771) steams up from Toddington half an hour later. (2.8mB)

The area around Dixton shows its beauty before the arrival of 7903. (3.1mB)

A passing apiarist gave me a rather chilling warning as I stood waiting for this shot at the end of the Dixton Cutting. Apparently I was 30-40 yards away from a bee's next and not too far from the bee's' flight path. Anyone who photographs here should beware! When I glanced back from Dixton Bridge, on my way to the doubtful charms of Leicester, I saw him donning his beekeeper's attire as he prepared to review the state of the hive.

A Trip from Toddington to Cheltenham 29 August 2006

David and Malcolm, Booking Office Clerk and Stationmaster, welcome us to the "Friendly Line in the Cotswolds" (13mB) on Google Video

Editors Note: Some of you may recognise Malcolm Ranieri, a top steam photographer, on the right.

Further videos are available at the Gloucester and Warwicks  website 

Warning:  The files are of substantial size and will take a considerable time to  download for non-broadband users.

All photographs and videos copyright ©  Mike Snow