Hi everyone. Today we were travelling in style: behind steam on the mainline. Last year, Vintage Trains Limited of Tyseley ran a railtour around the Midlands behind two of their trio of Pannier Tanks. I was out spotting that tour last November (see post) and it was then that I vowed to make sure that I had a ticket for this trip. Joining me on the trip were Eddie & Arnold, who I met at Tyseley just after 7:30am. The tour was operated on a circular route from the well-known loco works, around the Midlands and back again. The two locomotives that headed the train were 9600 (in BR Black) and 7752 (in LT Red as 'L94'). The tour departed on time at 7:55am and the journey began. The two Panniers (9600 leading) steamed bunker-first out of Tyseley and onto the mainline. As the countryside passed the window, we enjoyed a cuppa' and read the route notes, timings and some of the railway press. This is how all tables should look...
THE Way To Travel
As the train continued on its merry way, we passed countless photographers in the fields and on the stations. The Panniers made good time to a water stop at a random bridge near Walsall, before continuing to an operational stop at Bescot Yard. From here, we steamed towards Birmingham International station (home of the Airport & the NEC). During this section of the trip, exceedingly good Bacon Baps were served by the waitress' (I couldn't resist)...
Bacon Bap
The Time Sheet
Now for a quick explanation of the route. The timing sheet can be seen below. Leaving Tyseley we headed out through Small Heath and along the Sutton Park line to Walsall. We then ran through Bescot & Aston down to International. Here, the loco's ran round and watered again. From International we climbed back to Aston before changing onto the Cross-City Line to Lichfield. There was then a lengthy water stop at Alrewas Crossing (where the loco's literally stopped on the level crossing - blocking traffic for 45 minutes! The motorists were NOT happy!). From there we steamed to Mantle Lane (Coalville), via Branston Jnc and Moira West Jnc. That was an unusual section of line: very pretty but also echoing history. There were many traces of old & now of course closed routes to various coal mines. The water stop at Mantle Lane was around 40 minutes again, before we steamed away through Coalville and out past Bardon Hill for Knighton Jnc. Here there was yet another water stop. The Panniers then had a quick romp up the Nuneaton line via Hinckley. They really got going along there: very surprising turn of speed for their size! After a chug through Nuneaton's Platform 6 we climbed the flyover over the WCML before a final water stop at Whitacre Jnc. The train then steamed back to Small Heath (Bham) and then back down into Tyseley. In total, an almost 9-hour day but very enjoyable. The Panniers were very quick and got away easily with their 8 coaches. However, a few less water stops would have been fab! ;) ...
Proper Coaches at International
9600
Anyway, back to us on the train. On arrival at International we all disembarked to take a look at the shining Panniers. The sun was shining but it was bitterly cold. 7752 & 9600 were watered using hydrants I believe. However, both were overfilled resulting in some very wet running plates!...seen below on 7752...
7752 (L94)
The duo uncoupled from the train here and ran round the 8-coach stock...
Panniers at Bham International
On the front of the train again, the Panniers were admired by many people. One photographer really caught the eye of many...click HERE to see why. Below, 7752 is now leading the duo as smoke fills the bridge...
Too Much Steam!
Having ran round the Panniers had unfortunately ended up under the floor of the main concourse. This fact became even more apparent when the train was asked to move along slightly as the Panniers were filling the upstairs with smoke & steam! They did move it slightly...just so the Panniers were outside! As this was the only stop during the day where we could get off the train I didn't get many pics. Therefore, I have included the video below (which is available on Youtube) just to give you an idea of what the Panniers got up to...
From International we followed the route mentioned earlier, via all of the water stops and countless stations. The locomotives put in fantastic performances and; from the sounds echoing through the windows; seemed in fabulous mechanical condition. Before long though, journeys end beckoned and we reached Tyseley: home of the Panniers and countless other engines such as "Rood Ashton Hall", "Clun Castle", "Earl of Mount Edgecumbe" and "Princess Elizabeth"...
Panniers Home Again
9600 Cab
The Panniers had made good time and we arrived some 15 minutes early. For a bit of history...7752 was built in 1930 and was withdrawn in 1961, having spent time at Abedare, Tondu and Newport Ebbw Juntion amongst other places. 9600 was built in 1945 and withdrawn 20 years later. She spent time at Newport Ebbw Junction, Swindon and Neath, amongst other places. Below, 7752 sits at the bufferstops with her Tyseley mate and train behind her...
Journeys End
It was a great day out behind mainline steam once again. The Panniers had been in fine form, the weather had been relatively kind and the train was comfortable (if a little stationary alot of the time!). Thanks must go to Arnold & Eddie who provided informative, interesting and humorous company on the train! We did have a laugh and a good chat. Below, Arnold enjoys the water stop...
Thats about it then folks. Thank you very much for reading and do look out for more posts as they happen. The one problem with travelling behind mainline steam is that it always leaves you wanting more so don't be surprised if I go on another railtour this year! ;) . Cheers...Sam
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