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Page contents © D Swan 2009
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These recordings are intended primarily
as a supplement to the photographs on this site. However, I hope that some of them do stand as works in their own right.
The recordings should, in any case, provide a bit of audible atmosphere to go along with the photographs. I hope also,
that with practice, the quality will continue to improve! Happy listening. Instructions The sound
files are arranged in chronological order with a listing at the top of the page summarising all the recordings. It is
then just a matter of scrolling down the page to find the date of the recording in which you are interested. After a
short description is a box containing a summary of the recording including time and size of the file and a thumbnail of the
action if available. I`ve tried to keep the files at a manageable size for all users to avoid major downloads but the
trade off is a slight loss in quality. All files are in mp3 format sampled at 64kbs (with the occasional 128kbs recording).
The recordings are probably best listened to in headphones. In the summary box
is a large CLICK TO PLAY link. Click the link to launch the track in your default media player (ie Windows Media Player
(WMP), the track should load and play. Do ensure that your media player is configured to play mp3 files. In WMP
go Tools/Options/File Types and tick mp3. If that fails you can right click on the CLICK TO PLAY link, this will bring
up a standard Windows dialogue where you can select 'Save Target As' (Internet Explorer), 'Save Link As' (Firefox)..
Selecting this option will bring up another standard Windows 'Save As' box. You can then choose where you want
to save the file; you can then download the file and play it in your chosen media player whenever you like!
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30 January 2009 35028 Clan Line departs
Guildford 14 February 2009 34067 Tangmere departs
Basingstoke 14 February 2009 60163 Tornado
near Shere 01 March 2009 70013 Oliver Cromwell
near Slough 02 April 2009 70013 Oliver Cromwell
at Longcross and Ascot (2 runs) 10 April 2009
7812 Erlestoke Manor & 4566 at Severn Valley Railway 13 April 2009 70013 Oliver Cromwell near Haslemere and Liss (2 runs) 16 May 2009 60163 Tornado at New Barnet 16 May 2009 35028 Clan Line near Shere June
2009 Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways 18
June 2009 60163 Tornado at Theale 21 June 2009
60163 Tornado nr Chalton 05 July 2009 34067
Tangmere departs Woking 09 July 2009 34067
Tangmere departs Woking 16 July 2009 70013
Oliver Cromwell at Tilehurst 18 July 2009 5972
Olton Hall nr Purley 30 July 2009 70013 at
Merstham 01 August 2009 5043 Earl of Mount
Edgcumbe on Saunderton Bank
09 August 2009 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe - 'Shakespeare Express'
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August 2009 70013 Oliver Cromwell - 'Surrey Hills' (2 runs)
13 September 2009 60163 Tornado departs
Woking
07 November 2009 60163 Tornado near Shere
28 November 2009 34067 Tangmere departs Winchfield
10 December 2009 34067 Tangmere - 'Surrey Hills' (2 runs)
30 January 2009
We kick off 2009 by catching up with 35028 Clan Line
getting away from Guildford with this VSOE circular trip from London Victoria. We had tried recording here just before
Christmas but were completely 'bowled' as 35028 go under way. A little luckier this time as we hear 35028 whistle and
set off from the station as a car tears around the multi-storey car park behind us. 35028 slips but recovers quickly.
As the usual aircraft pass overhead we get to hear the loco working hard close up as it passes and enters the tunnel to the
south of the station. 35028 whistles again as the enormously long Pullman stock passes by. A diesel is heard
banking at the rear before relative calm returns to this urban setting and the train heads for a water stop at nearby
Shalford.
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35028 Clan Line departs Guildford
30 January 2009
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14 February 2009
Returning to London Paddington following a trip to Yeovil, 34067
Tangmere takes a rare path to Reading via Basingstoke. It's a busy Saturday night in Basingstoke from our spot
in one of the car parks to the south of the station. No sooner has 34067 arrived than it prepares to depart. To
the sounds of a busy town 34067 lets out a haunting whistle as it gets underway without a slip and is soon heading by.
I can't decipher exactly where all the noise is coming from but we lose the loco momentarily behind the large brick built
signal box at the eastern end of the station. We pick up Tangmere again as it heads off towards Reading as
some points are changed on the main route to London Waterloo in front of us.
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34067 Tangmere departs Basingstoke
14 February 2009
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14 February 2009
Our normal position high up on the North Downs usually has a little
moonlight for company. Tonight, with no moon and very overcast, it is a very dark spot of woodland indeed. It
is a cold night but dry with little or no wind. We are waiting for newly built 60163 Tornado on its second
trip on 'Southern' metals following a tour earlier in the day. This trip takes 60163 on a circular tour from London
Victoria via Woking and Guildford and the Surrey Hills, we are positioned near the top of a mainly 1/100 climb from Shalford.
We pick up a distant chime whistle as a car buzzes past nearby. 60163 is working away well on the climb and whistles
regularly as the train passes several foot crossings. Overhead, we pick up a little aircraft noise on the busy routes
from Heathrow and Gatwick. Eventually 60163 enters the deep cutting at the top of the climb and passes below us and
we clearly hear the Diesel attached to the rear of the train. Just before the end of the recording we can make out 60163
accelerating away towards Gomshall on an easing gradient as the exhaust spills over the top of the cutting and disperses into
the night air. This is quite a large file to download but well worth a listen.
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60163 Tornado near Shere
14 February 2009
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01 March 2009
A busy town on a Sunday morning finds us waiting for 70013
Oliver Cromwell with 'The St David's Day Special' from London Paddington to Newport and return. Slough
is our location and we are somewhat west of the station in a public park near a busy road. There is a leaden grey sky
overhead but it is a calm and mild morning. Amidst the traffic and rural sounds from the park we can make out 70013
as it powers out of the station. 70013 whistles as it gets into its stride, a van hoots at photographers working away
on the nearby Horlicks Bridge. Suddenly, the train comes frothing under the bridge and 70013 powers by on its way towards
Maidenhead and Reading. As the train heads away a videographer some 100 yds distant noisily packs up his
gear. Finally, we hear the pleasing, if rather inapposite sound of the local Herring Gull population.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell departs Slough
01 March 2009
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02 April 2009
A day of drama and controversy for main line steam begins with
a trip to Longcross in Surrey. 70013 Oliver Cromwell was hauling a 'Cathedrals Express' tour from London
Victoria to Bristol and return and we are at Longcross for the outward leg. A dull but calm and cool morning is just
giving way to a little sunshine as we hear the sounds of spring in this wooded location. Nearby is the sound of
a Blue Tit but we can make out something burbling away in the background. 70013 suddenly appears around the curve and
whistles a warning to a couple of track workers. The delightful two cylinder rhythm of the Britannia Class locomotive
is heard speeding towards us and away towards Reading. Given the terrain we lose the loco after it has passed in this
brief but high quality (128kps) clip.
For the return we travel to Ascot as night falls. The weather
is still calm as the delayed 20.13 to Reading waits in Platform 2. Running around 15 minutes late 70013 has just pulled
in to Platform 1 for a setting down stop. 70013 whistles, then the safety valves open. A short fade before we
pick up the safety valves again a short whistle and 70013 is underway. Moments later the power really comes on and the
train heads away into the night. In front of us we pick up the hum from the still stricken, late running,
'Juniper' Class 458. As 70013 gets into its stride comes a dramatic announcement, saying a line side fire in the Bracknell
area is causing a further delay. Later reports said that a wooden bridge at Bracknell Station was on fire although there
is no evidence that this was caused by 70013. After the announcement we hear an airliner and a siren as the recording
ends. Before the end we do catch 70013 again though just for a moment, far away now, hard at work and making for Sunningdale
and London Victoria.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell at Longcross
02 April 2009
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70013 Oliver Cromwell departs Ascot
02 April 2009
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10 April 2009
A visit to the West Midlands enables us to have a quick trip along
the Severn Valley Railway. With 16 miles of glorious scenery, Engine House, cafes, miniature railway and interesting
towns and villages , there is something for everyone here. This then is just a short introduction to the line.
Firstly, from just behind the tender, we are on board 7812 Erlestoke Manor as it leaves Arley with the 2.20pm
ex Kidderminster heading for Bridgnorth. Second, we join 'Small Prairie' 2-6-2T no 4566 as it departs Bridgnorth
with a train for Kidderminster. On board again, with 8 coaches behind we make steady progress up towards Eardington
Summit. This was our first visit to the line and with my head 'in' the meter I'm not exactly sure of our location. I
believe we make it as far as Crossing Cottage where the Class 4500 whistles shortly before the end of the recording.
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7812 Erlestoke Manor departs Arley
10 April 2009
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4566 departs Bridgnorth
10 April 2009
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13 April 2009
This tour featured 70013 Oliver Cromwell hauling
a 'Cathedrals Express' tour from London Victoria to Yeovil Junction. The tour ran in conjunction with the 150th anniversary
of the 'Portsmouth Direct' railway line and ran via Haslemere, Petersfield and Havant. Small ceremonies were held
at various stops along the route. This fairly rare route for steam tours includes some good climbs and on a mild and
calm spring day, we catch a couple here.
Firstly, on the outward leg we are on 'Witley Bank' near Haslemere
and a climb of 1/80. As the track begins we can just hear 70013 approaching in this woodland setting as an
airliner passes overhead. 70013 makes fairly swift progress up the climb with around ten carriages behind the
sounds of spring in this wooded location. As the locomotive heads past the sound is muffled for a moment by a bridge
before we hear 70013 continuing the climb towards Haslemere. 70013 is still competing with the airliner as the track
ends. We are next to the guys from Heritage Steam Archive who produce a wide range of Audios CDs.
Next on the return leg we are out near Liss on another 1/80 climb
at dusk. A large number of spectators mean we spend a while dithering over a suitable location. A local cat takes
a rather too close interest in my gear as I head off looking for a photograph. From a standing start at Liss station
almost a mile distant we can hear 70013 whistle and make a faultless departure. Totally out of character I even ask
for some silence amongst the assembled crowd as we witness the approaching train. 70013 accelerates well, whistles at
a level crossing and again as it passes by, silhouetted against the evening sky. We listen as 70013 continues the climb
as the crowd begin to disperse. We could out make the loco perhaps a minute after the recording ends but a lot of shouting
and screaming nearby made further editing impossible. We have though rung every last available second out of this
good record of 70013 hard at work.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell near Haslemere
13 April 2009
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70013 Oliver Cromwell departs Liss
13 April 2009
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16 May 2009
An early venture out to LNER country finds us at New Barnet awaiting
60163 Tornado from its 7.25am departure from Kings Cross. It's raining and there is a blustery wind but
we are here as I don't usually have the opportunity to travel out to LNER country. Two slightly different locations
included as the conditions preclude anything other than a fleeting recording. 60163 is on the fast line tearing
its way through North London on the first leg of 'The Coronation'. A three day tour to Scotland. 60163 would run
as far as York and would lead the return journey back to the Capital on Monday 18th. The first recording (1) is from
the platform and we just get to hear the loco whistle before it roars past the mic which somehow manages to stay upright!
If you don't like the weather though you can stay dry, in the car, out in the car park with take (2). A little bit more
noise as 60163 heads away towards Hadley Wood and Potters Bar. I think I prefer the platform recording, see what
you think, it won't take long.
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60163 Tornado at New Barnet
16 May 2009
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16 May 2009
A day of heavy showers and blustery winds for this regular VSOE
trip through the Surrey Hills behind 35028 Clan Line. A slightly different location in the North Downs
but not too much luck today. 35028 is heading up the climb with no diesel today. With the chance of damp rails
35028 is working away at a very steady pace methodically towards the summit. No fuss, no slips but the conditions mean
we get just a short recording. A group of young girls out for a hike are playing on a nearby rope swing and
this recording is for the purist really but probably worth a listen. A promising spot to be visited again perhaps.
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35028 Clan Line near Shere
16 May 2009
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June 2009
A trip to North Wales gives us the opportunity for a quick visit
to The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways including the recent opening through the Aberglaslyn Pass. A handful of
(mainly onboard) recordings here then on these two highly recommended routes.
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01 June 2009 Heading the first
train of the day 'Double Fairlie' locomotive David Lloyd George (DLG) sets off from Penryn on the climb towards
Tan y Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog. It is a glorious warm sunny day and we are riding the famous Ffestiniog
Railway. We are a little way back (front of third carriage) as DLG gets away. DLG is soon into its stride and makes
good progress on dry rails, working away up Rhiw Goch.
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01 June 2009 With the same train
as above but a little further up the line, DLG is heard getting away from Tan y Bwlch. Just a small slip before we pass
the 'dripping' water tower. Again DLG quickly gets into its stride as we continue up the climb towards the spiral at
Dduallt.
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03 June 2009 A chance today for a
short trip over a recently re-opened section of the Welsh Highland Railway (WHR). Another warm and sunny day as we wait
at the majestic location of Rhyd Ddu Station. High in the Snowdonia National Park and with stunning views towards Snowdon
this must surely be one of the most scenic stations anywhere in the UK. A great place to get a first view of one of
the lines Beyer-Garratt NGG16s. Formerly of South Africa our loco no143 was built in Manchester, England in 1958.
The acoustics at this location are spectacular and the whistle from no143 could be heard a good 15 minutes before
arrival. In this recording we hear no143 whistle as it enters the station and works its way to a halt just beyond our
position on the platform with the first train of the day from Caernarfon.
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03 June 2009 After leaving Rhyd Ddu
the line climbs to its summit at Pont Cae'r Gors. After joining the train we find that we can't lower the window in
the vestibule of the carriage so no sound from that section of line. The line then heads down through Beddgelert and
the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass to the temporary terminus at Hafod y Llyn. We jump out at Beddgelert, manage to find
a suitable vestibule at the very rear of train, grab all the gear and hare back down the platform. Passengers are not
able to leave or join the train at the run round at Hafod y Llyn. The result of all this is that we do find ourselves
in the carriage behind no143 for the stiff climb back up to Rhyd Ddu. In this short recording then we are entering
the confines of the Aberglaslyn Pass. A quiet start as we pass near to the site of Nantmor Halt. We head
over a tributary of the Afon Glaslyn and enter a tunnel. The clearances in here are very tight, we could lean out and
touch the walls (not recommended). It is very dark, the noise fills the carriage and we are enveloped by the oily and
slightly aromatic exhaust. Our recorder goes haywire and we have to sadly finish this exciting clip.
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03 June 2009 After at stop at Beddgelert
we hobble up to the forest halt at Meillionen. I'm not normally a fan of eight minute recordings unless they are very
special. This recording is the climb from Meillionen up towards the summit of the line with a gradient of 1/40 at times.
The WHR ran its last passenger train before rebuilding in 1936. Given our loco was built in 1958 this is a significant
recording. It is more than 60 years since steam ran here, a wonderful acheivement by everyone involved with the rebuilding
project. We get a few small slips as we get away from the halt and whistle as we slow for a level crossing.
Soon the tone of the loco changes as we start to attack the climb but listen out for a wild slip. We cross the Afon
Meillionen and continue to climb, plenty of steam onboard as we hear the safety valves lift. We end the recording with
no143 still climbing but on easier gradient towards Pont Cae'r Gors.
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18 June 2009 We haven't been to Theale for a while but a trip by 60163 Tornado from
Minehead to London Victoria gives us the chance for another look at the A1. The outward leg had been diesel hauled
to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway. It's a fine and warm evening but there is a stiff breeze blowing towards
the track and any sound away from us. 60163 is reported running late with brake problems and things don't look good
as the sun disappears behind the nearby buildings. Only a couple of people down here in the Business Park a little way
from the station as we eventually hear 60163 whistle as it arrives for servicing in the nearby loop nearly 90 minutes down.
However, I wasn't prepared for what happened next. A traffic jam formed on the Business Park road as a steady stream
of vehicles disgorged people brandishing a mind-boggling array of photographic equipment. Our carefully placed mic is
hopelessly overwhelmed and I have to hastily try to rearrange everything in time for the departure. A huge crowd has
gathered and I abandon hopes of sound recording and set about trying to catch an image in the fading light. The recorder
keeps rolling though and first we hear the sound of an unidentified (Class165/166 perhaps) westbound service train heading
towards Theale. As the service train fades we pick up 60163 putting the power down as it gets away from its stop.
We hear a whistle as a crossing is passed before the loco storms by. As the stock passes the crowd start to disperse
and the recording ends but I couldn't make out the sound of 60163 once the stock had passed by anyway. A good
record of 60163 in the circumstances, the noise from the nearby M4 is a constant hum though.
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60163 Tornado at Theale
18 June 2009
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21 June 2009
A few days after the Theale trip we are in the South Downs for
another Tornado run. This circular tour from London Waterloo ran via South Western Main Line to Eastleigh
returning via Havant, Petersfield and Woking. Unfortunately things aren't going well for us. Unable to track the
path up onto the downs it's only the late arrival of another enthusiast that shows us the way up. As we furiously
start to set up our gear we hear 60163 approaching and I am still juggling camera settings as the loco appears. You really
need headphones of some sort to get the best from this recording which begins with fairly standard fare as 60163 clatters
by on the climb far below us but we do get hear both whistles on the A1. The recording then continues with the sound
of 60163 coming and going on the wind mixed with some delightful sounds of a summer meadow. Each time we catch
the sound of 60163 the loco is becoming more laboured and by the time we are near the summit at Buriton at around 4.30 into
the recording I was wondering if 60163, 13 coaches and a Class 67 (not working) were going to make it. We
can just make out the loco now, far away in the distance, but still climbing before a motorbike followed by the sound
of a Yellowhammer end this interesting, if quiet, track.
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60163 Tornado near Chalton
21 June 2009
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05 July 2009
A visit to Woking early on a Sunday morning for 34067 Tangmere
with a 'Cathedrals Express' tour. 34067 was heading for Exeter before returning to London Waterloo. We on
a confined bridge/walkway at York Road as 34067 pauses at Woking Station some half mile distant to collect passengers on a
warm, breezy day with sunny intervals. We don't hear 34067 getting underway and pick up the loco as it passes the junction
with the Guildford line. We can hear the low hum from a track ballasting vehicle, resting whilst one of its occupants
trudges around on the track below us, camera in hand. 34067 is accelerating well and soon powers by as we get some strange
acoustics caused by the high shrubbery and high sided bridge walls. Plenty of people here but unusually everyone is
impeccably quiet as we listen to Tangmere heading off towards Brookwood and Basingstoke. A brief whistle
marks the end of the recording. Quite surprised to get this recording really but well worth a listen.
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34067 Tangmere departs Woking
05 July 2009
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09 July 2009
A still night at Woking as we await the return of 34067 Tangmere
with a 'Sunny South Special' from Weymouth. The trip had started from Clapham Junction in the morning and was returning
to London Waterloo. The departure from Weymouth had been delayed by around 1 hour and 45 minutes due to a problem with
the banking diesel. The diesel is required to assist on the steep climb out of Weymouth at Upwey Bank. In the
event 34067 made the climb unassisted with 11 carriages in what must have been a quite staggering performance. We are
just finishing setting up as 34067 arrives back at Woking but we are ready to go as 34067 whistles and gets underway.
Whilst this isn't Upwey 34067 makes a storming departure and is accelerating hard as it passes and we just get a liitle more
sound as the tour heads for West Byfleet before the recording ends.
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34067 Tangmere departs Woking
09 July 2009
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16 July 2009
Our first location choice for this trip was unavailable and we
find ourselves on the island platform at Tilehurst awaiting 70013 Oliver Cromwell with a 'Cathedrals Express'
trip from London Victoria to Worcester and return. A recording that perhaps demonstrates the excitement of main line
steam trains to the general public than anything else. A couple of adults with a toddler enjoy the spectacle from another
platform. Nevertheless, 70013 is running on the 'fast' line here and is really on the limit as it piles through the
station and on towards Pangbourne and Swindon. With our gear set up for a slow line pass we are 'on the limit' too!
In 128kbs anyway.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell at Tilehurst
16 July 2009
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18 July 2009
A very quick hello/goodbye to 5972 Olton Hall. Running
one way from London Paddington to Oxford, 5972 flies past in fine form. Our location is on the edge of a crop filed
and on a windy day the crop rustles around our gear. The return trip was diesel hauled. (128kbs)
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5972 Olton Hall nr Purley
18 July 2009
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30 July 2009 We arrived at Redhill Station in good time for 70013 Oliver Cromwell with
a 'Cathedrals Express' trip returning to London Victoria following a trip to Portsmouth Harbour. However,
it proved unsuitable for recording and we were still looking for a suitable spot when the train was due. In the end
we find ourselves at Merstham Station and can hear 70013 as we try to assemble our gear. We first hear a service train
on the nearby fast lines as well as the constant drone form the nearby M25 motorway. In the background though is the
unmistakable sound of locomotive hard at work heading up from a stop at Redhill about 1 1/2 miles distant. As 70013
approaches it is obviously on top form as the safety valves open. We are right next to the line here and 70013 sounds
terrific as it roars through the station and away towards Merstham Tunnel as night falls on a mild, still evening. Finally,
we hear another train passing behind us on the fast line.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell at Merstham
30 July 2009
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01 August 2009
A trip by Chiltern Railways with 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe from
London Marylebone to Stratford-Upon-Avon and return would pass through Saunderton. This gave us the opportunity to record
on Saunderton Bank where we find ourselves for the return leg. The track is in a deep cutting with dense vegetation
and no good place to photograph. Unfortunately and not apparent at the time of recording there appears to be someone
nearby although I didn't see anyone else. It's been a very wet day and there is still moisture in the air as we hear
5043 whistle as it passes slowly through Princes Risborough Station. 5043 then opens up for the 1/167 section to the
summit. 5043 thunders up the climb without any slips and no diesel on the rear to assist. A very short whistle
as 5043 enters a tunnel as an airliner passes overhead. The recording ends here but I could just make out 5043
again but the sound of airliner made it not worth including. A good, if interrupted record anyway and somewhere to go
back to .
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5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on Saunderton Bank
01 August 2009
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09 August 2009
We haven't had any recordings from behind any main line runs for
far too long on Fleet Steam. So, a trip on the Shakespeare Express would hopefully redress the balance
a little. The Shakespeare Express is a regular Sunday steam service in the summer making two trips between
Stratford-on-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill run by Vintage Trains. Today's trips are hauled by 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and we join the train at Stratford for a return
trip to Snow Hill. We are perhaps a little too far back along the train on the first leg when we slow to halt as
we attempt to join the main midland line at Hatton Junction. A points failure sees us waiting for nearly 1 1/2 hours
before we can resume our journey. When we finally get underway, we have lost our path and in danger of being marooned
behind the 15.20 all stations stopping service from Birmingham to Stratford. As driver Ray Churchill gingerly traverses
the junction we are soon to be treated to a flying run as we attempt to make up time. Several recordings to listen to
here giving some different effects and situations which I hope you will enjoy.
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Following our departure from Hatton junction we have a fast run up the main line and through the suburbs
of Birmingham to our booked stop at Tyseley. We join the action as we get underway from Tyseley and accelerate towards
Small Heath. An announcement is broadcast over the tannoy before a southbound service passes. By now we are tearing
through the city towards Moor Street Station although we pick up a little wind noise. A good record of some fine running.
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From Moor Street station there is short climb through the 580 yard Snow Hill Tunnel up to Snow Hill Station
at around 1 in 45. As we get underway again there is another short announcement before we plunge into the tunnel.
5043 makes an impressive climb before emerging and slowing for the stop at Snow Hill. Enjoy in 128kbs.
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At Snow Hill, 5043 furiously runs round its train for a tender first run back to Stratford. Snow Hill
Station is enclosed and this briefest of recordings gives us some unusual acoustics as we head out of Snow Hill towards Moor
Street on the return. (128kbs)
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I wasn't expecting fireworks on the return and was still getting my gear together as we get away from Moor
Street on the return. Just a couple of coaches back now as we hear 5043 getting up to speed quickly. The power comes
off towards the end of the recording as we prepare for a stop at Tyseley.
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Departing from Tyseley we leave the old GWR main line and are soon taking the 'North Warwick' route for
Stratford and heading under the A41. Climbing at around 1 in 200 we shortly pass through Spring Road as 5043 gets
up to speed.
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A brief stop at Shirley means we can get some more action on the climb up towards Earlswood on varying gradients
around 1 in 150. We leave the suburbs behind and begin heading out into open country. The sound the locomotive
carries back well as it continues its tender first running.
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Our final recording follows a stop at Henley-in-Arden. 5043 gets away smartly on the falling gradient
and accelerates quickly as we near the end of our journey.
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13 August 2009 These two recordings find 70013 Oliver Cromwell hauling a 'Cathedrals
Express' trip through the Surrey Hills. The tour ran from London Victoria to Oxford and return. On the
outward leg we are near Gomshall on a calm summer day. A car buzzes past as we hear the delightful rhythm of 70013 heading
up the climb. As 70013 approaches the top of the climb there is drama as the loco slips on the 1 in 96 bank
and there is a moment of silence. 70013 makes a great recovery and is soon passing in the nearby cutting. 70013
whistles and heads off for Gomshall and Guildford as another car heads along the road. 70013 is accelerating now and
final whistle in the distance ends the recording.
With the return heading back through the 'Hills' I'd gone
looking for a photograph but took the recorder anyway. A spot at a crossing at Little London is quite popular but I
placed the recorder some distance away by some cottages. By the time 70013 was due lots more people had arrived and
several residents had come out and were chatting next to the gear. Surprisingly, when I played back the recording we'd
got some great sound from 70013 with the crowd creating a good atmosphere. A couple of dogs at the end seem
not too keen on 70013 though.
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70013 Oliver Cromwell near Gomshall
13 August 2009
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70013 Oliver Cromwell near Shere 13 August 2009
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13 September 2009 It's late on a very autumnal Sunday evening in the urban setting of central Woking.
We are down in the fairly deserted station car park although the usual crowd are here. The dog that barks at any passing
train and the man banging away in his garden shed. The blustery wind continual rustles the trees behind us. In
the distance we can just make out a 'right away' whistle followed by a discrete blast from 60163 Tornado returning
from Exeter with this 'Cathedrals Express'. A fade out for a few seconds returns with 60163 getting underway
in fine style. Everything else remains quiet as 60163 powers by. As the stock passes we hear 60163 really getting
the power down as it heads for West Byfleet and the terminus for this run at Clapham Junction. As the sound of the A1
Class loco begins to fade a motorcycle can be heard tearing through the town before the recording ends.
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60163 Tornado departs Woking 13 September 2009
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07 November 2009 Another chance to catch 60163 Tornado heading through the Surrey Hills
with 'The Thames Tornado'. This trip had began diesel hauled from Ealing Broadway to Gloucester before 60163
took over to run back to London Victoria. Finally the tour would return diesel hauled to Gloucester. With a little
endeavour we manage a locate an isolated spot behind a fence near a cutting for this trip. Poor for photography so hopefully
fairly secluded for sound recording. Unfortunately, a number of trespassers have climbed over the fence on the other
side of the cutting and standing precariously at the edge of the cutting. They are chatting loudly but I've arrived
quite late having been at work and haven't time to find another location. Not only are these people a danger to
themselves but with small children looking on from behind the fence they are setting a deplorable example. Further down on
a crossing a videographer stands next to the 'down' line back to oncoming trains! Rant over we hear the two
whistles on 60163 in the distance in this 128kps recording. I'm a little close here and you need the extra detail
in the 128kps recording, the passing loco has been mastered at maximum volume though so take care when listening. This
is the best I've heard from 60163 as it pounds furiously up the 1/100 climb. We find out later a service train is
just behind the slightly delayed tour. 60163 thunders by in great form and continues to the top of the climb.
We have to stop the recording before then though as the trespassers burst out cackling after the stock has passed.
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60163 Tornado near Shere 07 November 2009
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28 November 2009 This was the first steam tour to run from Swanage to London since 1966, a historic
journey. We are down at Winchfield on a truly atrocious night for the water stop on the return leg from London
Waterloo. Despite the heavy rain 34067 Tangmere is on time for the stop. Standing under the shelter
of the 'Down' platform canopy roof I notice the normally busy 'country' end of the 'up' platform is
empty. Hurrying over the footbridge we set up our already soggy electronics hoping for an on time departure! This
recording is not going to be for everyone but we start with 34067 whistling as the loco simmers ready for departure (and someone
screams). A London bound express tears past as 34067 sets off with the safety valves opening. 34067 is carefully
and skillfully eased away on the soaking rails and we don't hear the loco at all (apart from the valves) until it passes
us at the end of the platform. The valves close and the power slowly comes on despite a few slips. The valves
open again and we can hear the rain although the microphone cover does quite a good job of muffling the sound as 34067 heads
off towards Basingstoke. Nothing spectacular but a great demonstration of driving skills on a historic trip.
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34067 Tangmere departs Winchfield 28 November 2009
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10 December 2009 Two tracks here from 34067 Tangmere on a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from
London Victoria to Oxford and return. On the out trip we are beneath Ranmore Common in the Surrey Hills just outside
Dorking. On a bright, sunny day 34067 is at full tilt as it heads up the climb towards Gomshall. The safety valves
are open though and all the noise from loco is rather mixed up but still gives a good impression of power. On the return
run 34067 has a short stop for water at Shalford (pictured) before setting off on the climb back over the downs. We
catch the loco at the top of the climb near Shere. We are a little drowned out by nearby church bells to start.
I've had to rush off in the middle of the recording when I notice a car pull up next to mine and the occupants leap out.
Fearing the worst I leave the tapes running and head back to the car. I suspect the rustling as 34067 thunders
by below is some rabbits hopping around our gear. The bells drown out 34067 going away but at least the other car rushes
off as I arrive.
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34067 Tangmere near Dorking 10 December 2009
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34067 Tangmere near Shere 10 December 2009
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