An "Earl" On The "Shropshire Express"...

"The Castle Strides Past A Packed Chester Racecourse" (Pic - C.Morrison)

The end of every main line steam tour marks the completion of another great adventure. Today, the immaculate Castle Class 4-6-0 No5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" was out and about in damp conditions on route to Chester. "The Shropshire Express" was essentially a repeat of last years similar excursion which traversed the WCML route on the outward path before returning via Chirk and Shrewsbury, taking in the sharp climb over Gresford Bank. Last years Chester report can be found here and, having enjoyed the 2016 outing immensely, I was very much looking forward to todays trip. Rising early is the norm on a day out with steam and, before sunrise, I was on my way to McDonalds for the all important breakfast stop before continuing to the former 84E. "Edgcumbe" was just about to move outside into the crisp morning air, her fire having been lit a few moments earlier. Hissing gracefully forward, 5043 came to rest in the usual spot as first light came up...

We had a 'full crew' today and the engine was oiled and cleaned amidst the usual shed banter. I was given the job of cleaning down the running boards and then shining them up to bring out the gloss finish. The midweek cleaning team had already given 5043 a fine going over and she looked stunning as she awaited her move across the road to the waiting stock. Our departure from Tyseley was scheduled for around 9:15am and so the Castle was on the train a good hour before. Having had a wash and got changed, I took the opportunity to photograph the Castle in the same spot once again. It is often remarked that I must have hundreds of the exact same shot...I do...

Right on time, 5043 whistled up before Driver Ray Poole started the train away towards our passenger pick-up at Wolverhampton. Tony & Craig were busy in the kitchen preparing crew breakfasts and ensuring that the Castle left a scent of sausage and bacon in her wake. Tiptoeing through the Birmingham suburbs, the "Earl" rounded the bend at St Andrews junction, heading ultimately for the Sutton Park line...

"5043 On Route To Chester" (Pic - G.Gifford)

After Wolverhampton we enjoyed the usual fast running to Stafford and Crewe, before the final part of the run past Beeston Castle and into Chester. I hopped out at Chester whilst the passengers alighted in order to grab a quick snap of 5043 as she awaited the call to set back towards the junction which allowed access to the adjacent yard. This is where we would be spending our afternoon...

With the passengers all off the train and no doubt ready for their afternoon in the city, 5043 was given the signal to set back. We were soon in the yard opposite Platform 7 and thus our four-hour layover began. The Castle would be checked over, oiled, watered and coaled during this time and the Support Crew would of course need feeding! The Castle was detached from the ECS to be watered towards the rear of the set, where our hoses would reach. Naturally, right on cue, the heavens opened and the persistent rain continued during our stop in Chester. 5043 happily simmered away whilst a drenched Support Crew scurried around doing the necessaries...

"5043 In A Very Damp Chester Yard" (Pic - f22photographie of Flickr)

Anybody who thinks a day on a Support Crew is easy should very much think again. Once you've lifted 60 bags of coal up into a cab from floor level you can tell me its easy. I've had several full days on footplates at various preserved railways that were a piece of cake compared to that one task! Anyway, with our various jobs complete, our saturated team re-boarded the Support Coach for a spot of lunch. Tony & Craig had prepared some cracking burgers and these were enjoyed over a refreshing can of Coke (Diet of course). 5043 was steadily steam heating the stock ready for the return run and so we were nice and warm as we put the world to rights and honed our people watching skills.

As our departure time neared, 5043 was prepared for our homeward run. The passengers were soon back on board and the Castle strode out of Chester, whistling enthusiastically at the several race goers who were no doubt drinking their weight at a packed Chester racecourse. I think it was the last meeting of the season. Leaving Chester behind us, the engine flattened Gresford Bank (although the double chimney ensured that the Support Coach received a good shot-blasting) before continuing to our short photo stop at Chirk station...

From Chirk, 5043 pretty much had a clear run home. She strode along happily for mile after mile and it was a pleasure to listen to her. Here she is arriving triumphantly into Birmingham New Street where our presence always seems to spark interest...

"New Street" (Pic - C.Morrison)

There is something about being with the engine at New Street which really makes me smile - I don't know what it is. Maybe its just because its such a busy location and the snorting locomotive is so well received. After dropping off passengers in the busy station, we steamed into the gloom of the tunnel before our final jog home to Tyseley. Once again, I hopped out quickly before the admiring hoards arrived...

As the final passengers disembarked, the rain was truly in for the night. The Class 08 duly shunt released the Castle; once I'd dropped between to detach the train. With the stock clear, 5043 hissed backwards before descending into the middle road for turning on the table. She looked a real picture in the pouring rain...

Once turned, "Edgcumbe" steamed back to the shed for stabling and disposal. The 1936-built Castle had done the Tyseley team proud once again and had put in yet another fabulous performance. Next time we go to Chester it is scheduled to be "Clun"! Click here for VT's website where you can book onto excursions behind these amazing machines. Thank you to the Tyseley team for another great experience, thank you to the photographers for allowing me to use your images in this post and thank you all for reading. Until next time, Sam...