Hi all. Today, in bleak and drizzly conditions, the final "Shakespeare Express" of 2017 ran between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon. On the roster once again was the beautiful Castle Class 4-6-0 No5043 "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe". That makes it eight of a possible eight for the four-cylinder machine and what a season it has been. This was my fifth "Shakespeare" on the Support Crew and so, with the massive risk of repeating myself, I'm not going to write a full post about today. Included below are a few captioned images to tell some of the story. Rest assured it was another enjoyable experience and a fitting end to a Great Western summer on the North Warwick line. Here, 5043 summons her strength as she moves off shed for the final time, at least for this "Shakespeare" season anyway...
Its 8am, and 5043 is waiting patiently at the head of the eight-coach ECS for Snow Hill. The bark of her double chimney will soon be echoing through the slowly awakening Birmingham suburbs as she tiptoes into the city centre...
Its now coming up towards 2pm and the Castle has recently arrived at Snow Hill and is being prepared to run round ready for Train C back to Stratford...
After watering and servicing, the immaculate Castle waits under changeable skies for the final departure of the season back to Snow Hill, via Claverdon...
David Chandler was once again out & about at the lineside and kindly sent in this image without me even badgering him for it - thank you mate!...
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| "5043 Bursts Under The Bridge At Stratford Parkway" (Pic - D.Chandler) |
After a cracking run back with the final train, 5043 simmers at Snow Hill in the fading afternoon light of this dull September Sunday...
Later on, the engine waits to be shunt released once back at base at Tyseley...
A footplate ride back to the shed aboard "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe"...
Finally, a Castle at rest back on the shed frontage...
With that, as the immaculate 4-6-0 simmered quietly reflecting upon a bright summer, it was time for a cuppa' before heading for home. What a great season its been on the Stratford trips. Its been a great experience and, once again, a pleasure to be out with the Tyseley team. Thank you to them for their continued hospitality - its a privilege to be involved. Thank you also to those who keep this blog read - I appreciate it. And so the curtain closes on another "Shakespeare" season, though I'm already looking forward to 2018! The full story of the "Shakespeare Express" outings can be found in previous posts. "The king's a beggar, now the play is done: All is well ended, if this suit be won"...quite aptly taken from "Alls Well That Ends Well". Cheers all, Sam...
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