There was a large number of special trains due to run today and first off I had planned to go to Banbury to see the 50s depart on the tour to Penzance but I got cold feet the night before at the thought of getting before 5AM when I wasn’t even sure if they would be in a photoable position. I changed my mind and decided to go and photograph a GBRF 66 on the diverted Hams Hall – Felixstowe Intermodal which is being diverted via Didcot for the next few weeks.
The Intermodal was due at Didcot at 07:20 which is just half an hour after sunrise so I thought the best place would be Didcot North at that time of day. As I was waiting a load of mist came rolling in across the fields and over the railway line which added something to the view. The time for the Intermodal came and went and then 60036 emerged form the mist with the 6O26 Hinksey Yard – Eastleigh engineers. Eventaully I had to give up og the GB liner as I had to move location for the days highlight.
Yes thats right it is the Western, I’m a bit of a fan of the wizzo so with excellent weather like today it was an oppurtunity not to be missed. Finally I am able to bring you a new location to the Thames Rail site after a long wait. I thought about doing the tried and tested shot at Shrivenham but I had only been there three days ago so I wanted to vary the location a bit. I opted for a shot near to Knighton crossing looking across the fields up at the embankment. The only thing that slighty spoils the shot is the one southern green mark one near the front which breaks up the maroon formation.
The VSOE was also due out today with a run from Victoria – Worcester which was also routed via the GWML as far as Swindon so as I was in the vicinity I decided to hang about for it. I decided to move location and gave in on Shrivenham which is where I snapped 67007 on the VSOE crusing along nicely.
Whilst I was checking for updates of the Western and VSOE I had seen a report of 66025 working 6C25 Hayes – East Usk so I had a plan for this one. The Uffington White Horse is only about five miles or so from Shrivenham and as I had never been up there I decided to visit with the hope of a photograph as well. Up on the White Horse you can see the HSTs wizzing up and down the line and they look tiny from up there, as I was climbing the hill I spotted the shed. I popped on the 200mm and fired of a couple of shots, I know it is small but right in the middle of the frame is 66025 trundling along with its rake of hoppers.
