As I mentioned yesterday I said that I would be going retro again today and thanks to Spitfire Railtours and a pair of West Coast Railway Company Class 37s that was achieved this morning. They were having a spin from Crewe – Swanage via the Thames Valley.
Options are limited for southbound trains in the morning with really only Oxford and Didcot North really any good. I was concerned that the Oxford shot might be in shadow as the train was due quite early so opted for Didcot North Junction. Running bang on time 37706/516 appeared with 1Z49 to Swanage in fantastic early morning light. Is it just me or has the cab number and bodyside logo on 37516 been put on wonky?
Things have gone a bit retro round here lately what with Cromptons, Tractors, Westerns and Duffs so it’s time to bring things back to 2009 with some GM traction. The weather was fine and dry and it was too good to waste so I decided to head over to Cholsey for a couple of hours.
First up was a Freddie 66587 working the 4M68 Southampton – Birch Coppice Freightliner service running a few minutes early as it passed Cholsey. It is nice to see a full set of containers on board making a rather nice colourful view as it heads through the Thames Valley.
The second shot of the day was a ‘Red Shed’, infact my first ‘Red Shed’ since 20th September 2008! 66160 did the honours hauling the 6M58 Southampton – Bescot empty car carriers in glorious Autumnal light! I have a strong suspicion the retro may be back tomorrow…
Today I finally have managed to grab a shot of the Colas steel working from Burton-on-Trent to Dollands Moor. Normally due to work I don’t get to see this working but back in March earlier in the year I had a couple of weeks off when I had a go but I was rather unlucky with the weather, today however the weather was glorious, all I had to do was get the shot…
All did not go to plan, I had forgotten the car was running on fumes and had to fill up on the way and I over estimated how long it would take me to get to Kings Sutton. Going by previous times it had passed Kings Sutton at 15:30 if it was on time and I rolled up to the bridge at 15:25 and I still had probably a 1/2 mile walk across the field to the foot crossing aswell! A fast walk across the field ensured I made the crossing with a whole 30 seconds or so before the 47s appeared under the bridge, that was close! Riveria 47805/839 did the honours today looking miles better in Oxford Blue than the dayglo Colas 47s. 
