The outward
involved a lot of high speed running, getting out of the way of those 'modern'
flying banana's. The Severn Tunnel thrash was incredible, I doubt whether there
was one single window closed! As our driver hit the 'sump' of the tunnel bore he
gave a sharp blast on the horn and full power was applied….. we were away!
Two hours went
quickly at Swansea and we returned via the Vale of Glamorgan, Bath Spa and
Newbury. Around Savernake, at milepost 70, the loco achieved 1000 miles of
passenger train haulage on the main line. From Reading we were directed via the
main line and Paddington was reached in just over 30 minutes, but 16 minutes
early. The driver later told us he was aiming for 27 minutes but a signal check
at Airport Junction put paid to that. Still, there's always tour 4!
D1015
waiting to leave Paddington with the first visit to Swansea of the Class since the "Western
Tribute Railtour" in 1977!!.
The
Tour arrives to pick up at Reading
D1015
passes Brunel Crossing at Theale heading for South Wales.
D1015
on arrival at Swansea.
Some Thrash!!
D1015 opens up on the return to London.
Western Champion back on the blocks after arrival back at Paddington