13. The Cathedrals Express-21.03.17

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2017 > 13. The Cathedrals Express-21.03.17
Another neck treatment at Box but this time on my own as Andy was 'otherwise engaged'. I travelled down in my Audi TT and called in at the Avon Valley very close where I grew up to capture a steam charter. The weather was looking promising even though I drove through a snow shower or two on the way!
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Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.

158960, GW 09.23 Portsmouth Harbour-Cardiff Central (1F12, 1E), Avon Valley ST782652 
 The Avon Valley, just here in Somerset, is a beautiful spot and one that I know well given that I grew up only five miles from this spot! I parked the car in a lay-by on the A36 and took a short walk along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal to this spot. The weather was very changeable as the clouds rushed across the sky, one minute bright sun, the next in shadow! Here, 158960 forms the 09.23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central through the valley; unfortunately not in the sun! 
 Keywords: 158960 1F12 Avon Valley ST782652
159019, SW 09.22 London Waterloo-Bristol Temple Meads (1V22, 1E), Avon Valley ST782652 
 The trouble with the weather on this day is clearly evident in this picture! In the foreground fantastic bright sunshine, but a huge cloud obliterates the subject and the background. 159019 passes through the Avon Valley forming the 09.22 London Waterloo to Bristol Temple Meads. In the background is Warleigh Manor, this lovely old building's claim to fame was that it was the home to a family that featured in The Up series produced Michael Apted. One of the participants, Suzy, lived in the house and was filmed there as part of the 28Up edition. 
 Keywords: 159019 1V22 Avon Valley ST782652
158953, GW 10.30 Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour (1F21, RT), Avon Valley ST782652 
 Another shot where the sun had just dived behind a huge cloud! 159953 passes through the Avon Valley forming the 10.30 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour. The next stop for this train would be my old 'home' station of Bradford-on-Avon. 
 Keywords: 158953 1F21 Avon Valley ST782652
Class 158, GW 08.59 Brighton-Great Malvern (1V94, RT), Avon Valley ST782652 
 I took this shot deliberately early in an effort to try and get one train in the sun! I'm not too worried though because the vista is so superb! An unidentified class 158 heads through the Avon Valley on the approach to Bathampton Junction working the 08.59 Brighton to Great Malvern. The lush greenery of the ground cover contrasts with he brown trees that are just beginning to develop their buds. 
 Keywords: Class 158 1V94 Avon Valley ST782652
Class 158, GW 08.59 Brighton-Great Malvern (1V94, RT), Avon Valley ST782652 
 With a smashing early spring sky overhead, a class 158 passes through the Avon Valley between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath Spa forming the 08.59 Brighton to Great Malvern. This is an interesting working that takes a pretty circuitous route from the South Coast to the Midlands knocking on the Welsh Border! 
 Keywords: Class 158 1V94 Avon Valley ST782652
45699, outward leg of The Cathedrals Express, West Brompton-Gloucester (1Z53), Avon Valley ST782652 
 Yes, the sun was in off course! 45699 ' Galatea' drifts through the beautiful Avon Valley between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath Spa hauling The Cathedrals Express from West Brompton to Gloucester running as 1Z53. The hamlet of Warleigh can be seen in the background. 
 Keywords: 45699 The Cathedrals Express 1Z53 Avon Valley ST782652
45699, outward leg of The Cathedrals Express, West Brompton-Gloucester (1Z53), Avon Valley ST782652 
 To make up for the sun diving behind a huge cloud, I decided at the last moment to add interest by framing the train with the tree. 45699 'Galetea' hauls The Cathedrals Express that started at West Brompton and would end up at Gloucester. It's seen passing through the stunning Avon Valley about two miles from Bathampton Junction where the line joins the GWML. 
 Keywords: 45699 The Cathedrals Express 1Z53 Avon Valley ST782652

Images 1-7 of 7 displayed.