Saturday
23rd February 2002
Both Bristol
and Gloucester departure times were exactly on time and the storm Up Sapperton
Bank saw every window on the train that could be opened being so. Signal checks
at Didcot and Reading meant a 10 minute late arrival at Paddington but that
didn't dampen any spirits. For many in the group though it really didn't sink in
until a few days later that yes Western Champion really had done it! Just
over 270 miles of main line running had gone without a single hitch.
The groups
engineers sat back in their seats and enjoyed the ride just as the 550 plus did
on the train. Occasional running checks revealed all was in order and D1015
literally sang the whole day. The loco retired to Old Oak Common to cool down as
the group members headed for other refreshments!
D1015 Western Champion waits to leave Paddington.
D1015 on arrival at Bristol Temple Meads
D1015 on arrival at Gloucester.
At
Gloucester D1015 basks in the sunshine, amongst crowds reminsiance of the 1977 Farewell tours.
Back
on the blocks at Paddington, D1015 makes History being the first Western back on the Mainline
since the Western Tribute Farewell tour 25 years ago.