Hi everyone. Today folks, in the chilly breeze, we headed out in the Saxo to see the A1 Pacific "Tornado" on the West Coast Main Line. The A1 was hauling the "Cathedrals Express" between Euston and Chester, returning later in the day. The pacific was sheduled to take water at Nuneaton between 10:33am and 10:53am. Therefore, I had two choices; catch her before, or catch her after. In this area, particularly on the Down Slow, there aren't many good locations where you don't risk getting bowled by the odd Penadlino or passing 'Shed' (Class 66). However, one location that isn't too bad is Marston Jabbett. When the light is right, you get a good view of all passing rail traffic from the road. At this location, the Down Slow is the furthest line away. However, I was willing, for once at least, to give it a try. Having parked up, I placed the Tri-Pod and video camera up on the roof of the Saxo, checking the light and the pan. Many passing Pendalino's did however give the worry of getting bowled at any moment! Though the light was a little overpowering in the southerly direction, the glint did look beautiful on the side of the A1. Soon enough, a little early even, the A1 approached on 12 coaches. Past she coasted on the Down Slow, approaching Nuneaton for her water stop. Apart from a few other photters in the shot, the video here doesn't look too bad. I may one day use this location again. Below, "Tornado" has just crossed the road bridge and heads off into the distance...
After seeing the A1 once, I had a think and decided, at the last minute, to chase her and try to catch her again. A little earliness and a 20-minute stop would give me a limited amount of time to takeover and get in front. But, either way, worth a try! The next location past Nuneaton Station is around the Leathermill Lane area. I videoed 60163 here back in May on the same train so I didn't see the point in trying there again. After that, more shots are available on the Up Slow, not the Down. The next good location is Atherstone. So, I tried there! Down at Atherstone, we set up on the platform but the glint of the sun was terrible. But, we tried anyway. "Tornado", fresh from her water stop, roared through throwing black smoke over her shoulder. Below, "Tornado" has just come out of the glint and speeds through Platform 1, bound for Chester...
The shot at Atherstone wasn't bad either. Wether it was worth the petrol or not, I can't decide! From the human eye it was! But at the last moment, a glinty shot was all I could manage. The video below is what we managed to get...As usual, Blogger seems to distort my videos. Therefore, double-click to see it larger. Anyway, well worth seeing "Tornado" again; what a beautiful machine. Thanks for reading folks - Good Day. I'm off to CMES this afternoon...
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