Fleet Steam

Main Line 2011

	08 January 2011 At the head of the first main line steam tour of 2011 35028 Clan Line makes a fine sight heading through the Surrey Hills near Abinger Hammer.  35028 was hauling a VSOE circular from London Victoria. It's a breezy day but 35028 is working away well and you can listen to the loco at Sound 2011 here.
	21 January 2011 Just two main line steam tours in the UK this month, both VSOE trips hauled by 35028 Clan Line.  Here, 35028 enjoys some good winter sunlight as it heads this VSOE circular towards Worplesdon.
	05 March 2011 With no diesel in tow, 35028 Clan Line effortlessly hauls the Pullman stock through the Surrey Hills with this VSOE circular from London Victoria.
	01 April 2011 A dull Friday sees 35028 Clan Line breezing along near Egham with the regular VSOE circular trip from London Victoria. In the first view here 35028 heads by Royal Holloway College, mostly obscured by the locomotive's exhaust, whilst a Class 450 'Desiro' speeds towards Egham.  Second, 35028 continues towards Virginia Water under a threatening sky. 35028 follows a service train here so no sound again today.
	29 June 2011 A chance today for a good run for 35028 Clan Line with this VSOE special from London Victoria to Bristol and return.  Although running around 15 minutes late, 35028 makes a wonderful sight at Longcross in the morning.
	16 July 2011 A morning of heavy rain sees 35028 Clan Line with the 'Blackmoor Vale Express' at Farnborough, running from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction.  Although booked to run fast line 35028 is about to be held at the platform to allow an express to pass.  Next, late in the evening, 35028 storms away from Woking on the return leg. Some good sound at Woking over on Sound 2011 here.
	13 August 2011 With 35028 Clan Line due for its annual maintenance check, we won't be seeing the Merchant Navy Class loco for a while.  Here is a look at 35028 heading for London Victoria in the evening following a VSOE trip to Oxford.  35028 is seen here near Egham.
	3 December 2011 With 35028 Clan Line returning in the guise of classmate 35017 Belgian Marine, here are a couple of poor views included to record the temporary name change. First, out near Woking on 3rd December, then, at Gomshall on 9th December from where we get a little passing sound.

12 February 2011 Two views here from 2010 stalwart, 'Black 5' No. 44932.  44932 was heading a valentine's circular tour from London Victoria via Maidstone, Hastings and Sevenoaks. Firstly, on a dull morning in Kent, 44932 speeds towards Shoreham on the outward leg.  Second, we head out to Stonegate, deep in the Sussex Weald to catch 44932 powering up the long climb towards Wadhurst.  On the bridge behind 44932 note the white block painted on the left hand side, a sighting board for use with a long departed semaphore signal.  Some good sound too, particularly from Stonegate at Sound 2011 here.

	12 March 2011 Heading west, looking east.  Lincoln is the unlikely destination for 70013 Oliver Cromwell as it thunders through West London at Putney with 'The Lincoln Imp'.  70013 had earlier departed from London Victoria and is in a deep cutting here partially lit by a low sun, but we just about manage to catch most of the detail. 70013 is passing under a viaduct carrying the District Line Underground between East Putney and Putney Bridge.  The train would then head via Acton Wells Junction to join the Midland Main Line.  The tour later returned to London Kings Cross. Oliver Cromwell had been out of action since last summer (2010) with firebox problems.  You can read about the work on the excellent 5305 Locomotive Association website.
	14 May 2011 The outward leg of 'The Swanage Belle' running from London Waterloo to Swanage had been hauled by 'Black 5' No. 45305.  70013 Oliver Cromwell was in charge of the return and is seen here in the evening near Micheldever.   The wind tears across this open landscape and with no shelter we can't really get any sound.
	18 June 2011 The road between the Kennet and Avon Canal and the 'Berks and Hants' line at Crofton affords us a breathtaking view of 70013 Oliver Cromwell climbing towards the summit at Savernake.  70013 is in charge of 'The West Somerset Explorer' from London Paddington through to Minehead on 'The West Somerset Railway'.  The majestic sound of the 'Brit' carries well and is interleaved with the delightful sound of a summer morning.  Late in the evening 70013 gets underway from Theale on the return, only dogs and the M4 for company though.  Listen to both on Sound 2011 here.
	23 June 2011 Another run for 70013 Oliver Cromwell on 'Cathedrals Express' duties today with a train from London Victoria to Bristol and return.  We catch up with 70013 on the return at Brookwood where terrific work by the support crew managed to 'turn the locomotive around' without causing delay to the numerous service trains running on this section. Unfortunately, there is no longer access to Brookwood Cemetery in the evening and the car park is too noisy for sound recording tonight.
	08 December 2011 An unusual stop for 70013 Oliver Cromwell on a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from Ely to Oxford.  70013 is stopped here at Platfrom 4 at Twyford Station.  This line is normally used for 'up' (to London) trains but is signalled for bi-directional working.  This water stop was very brief but I can't recall any servicing stops taking place in this fashion at Twyford before, hence the inclusion of this picture on a wet and windy day.  70013 was held outside the station for a few minutes waiting to cross to the 'down' relief line for the next leg of the trip.

	19 March 2011 Another locomotive returning to the main line following maintenance in 2011 was 34067 Tangmere.  Making it's first run of the year, 34067 heads west at Lockerley with 'The Bath and Bristol', having earlier departed Three Bridges.  The trip had been delayed by nearly an hour when water failed to arrive on time at Preston Park but is only around 15 minutes down here.  Note the lack of name plates on the locomotive.  The church of St John, Lockerley makes a fine backdrop to the scene.  A still day but 34067 sounds a little subdued and so no sound again from this trip.  2011 looking a little thin on sound recordings I'm afraid at present.
	13 April 2011 On grey and cold morning at Winchfield 34067 Tangmere makes a terrific sight charging through with this 'Cathedrals Express' to Lincoln.  The Odiham Road bridge behind the loco is almost completely obscured by the exhaust.  Note that 34067 now has nameplates fitted and also of interest are the flags adorning the smokebox.  Although on top form here, sadly this was not to be the best of days for 34067.  This was an unusual departure from Basingstoke making the journey to Lincoln a lengthy one.  The trip was 'banked' by a Class 37 diesel which unfortunately encountered problems when the tour reached the East Coast Main Line.  After stopping to rectify the problems the trip eventually arrived in Lincoln some 2 1/2 hours late.  The departure from Lincoln was around 2 hours late with the diesel left behind at Lincoln but another diesel, a Class 47, due to rendezvous with 34067 at a booked stop at Connington.  However, 34067 was failed at Connington thus the diesel hauled the train minus 34067 and support coach back to Peterborough before 'running round' the train to haul the tour home.  A booked stop at Farnborough due at 10.30pm was eventually made at around 1.15am.
	11 June 2011 More problems for 34067 Tangmere with 'The Welshman' run by the Railway Touring Company.  The trip ran from Poole to Cardiff via Eastleigh.  Having negotiated Dr Days Junction near Bristol on the outward leg, 34067 came to a halt on the climb to Filton Abbey Wood.  Many service trains were delayed before a Class 47 diesel was able to assist 34067 to Cardiff nearly two hours later.  The return leg was also delayed leaving Cardiff by over two hours. 34067 is seen here in the morning out at Lockerley again along with a interlude along a nearby footpath.
	16 June 2011 In torrential rain 34067 Tangmere calls at Winchfield with 'The Swanage Belle' running from London Victoria through to the Swanage Railway.  At the rear is Class 37 No. 37516 assisting when needed and hauling the return back to Southampton.  From there 34067 would head the trip home via Romsey and Andover. In the second view here we see 34067 in a somewhat surreal view heading the return away from Basingstoke. Plenty of action to listen to anyway on Sound 2011 here.
	30 June 2011 A rather drier day at Winchfield for another run by 34067 Tangmere.  Another visit to Swanage but no diesel this trip.  At Swanage 34067 would run 'light engine' to Salisbury.  8F 48151 would haul the return to Salisbury, 'handing over' to 34067 for the rest of the trip.  A brake problem with the stock at Salisbury resulted in a delay of around 30 minutes.  In the second view here 34067 heads the return through the remains of Fleet Station in the late evening, fast line, making up time, a great sight.  Note the destination discs on 34067, clearly showing its destination, London Victoria. A little 'dry' sound from Winchfield here.
	09 July 2011 34067 Tangmere is a busy loco at the moment.  This run commemorated the last steam train under British Railways on the old Southern Railway; 09 July 1967.  A special timetable led to fast running from London Waterloo to Weymouth.  The return was led by 8F 48151 to Yeovil with 34067 taking the trip back to London. First, we see 34067 on a gloomy morning at Fleet, but running hard on the 'fast'.  Second, on a fine evening, 34067 bowls along towards Basingstoke.
	06 October 2011 A short journey to Deepcut for 34067 Tangmere with a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from London Victoria to Bristol.  34067 is somewhat dwarfed by the impressive cutting.  34067 would later return to Kensington Olympia.
	26 November 2011 A tour for 34067 Tangmere from Swanage to Euston finds us first on a very dull and blustery day at Old Basing for the outward leg.  Despite the presence of a Class 47 diesel at the rear, 34067 makes a fine departure from Basingstoke following a water stop.  Next, on the return, 34067 features in a dramatic night time view of Winchfield during another stop. 34067 eases away from Winchfield on Sound 2011 here.
	10 December 2011 We finally get to catch 34067 Tangmere in colour at Lockerley as it heads for Bristol, moments before the sun disappears.  However, a Class 37 diesel is propelling 34067 along here for reasons unknown.

	07 April 2011 On its maiden tour following a lengthy overhaul, one of Britain's most iconic locomotives, class leader 70000 Britannia makes a wonderful sight on a bright morning as it heads past Purley.  70000 was on a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from Oxford to Canterbury. 70000 was last seen on the main line in 1997.  Now owned by Jeremy Hosking, the overhaul was completed at Crewe Heritage Centre. We finally get some sound to listen to which you can find at Sound 2011 here.
	23 April 2011 A look at 70000 Britannia on another 'Cathedrals Express' trip from London Paddington to Stratford-Upon-Avon.  On an evening of thundery showers, 70000 finds a little evening sunlight as it heads towards Cholsey for a short stop in the first view here.  Second, 70000 gets underway following the stop at Cholsey. A little convoluted sound to listen to which you can find at Sound 2011 here.
	28 July 2011 An unusual eastbound morning trip gives us the chance to see 70000 Britannia on a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from Salisbury to Canterbury in fine summer conditions.  A couple of track workers enjoy the spectacle of 70000 running well beside the canal at Pirbright.  Note however the virtually empty canal behind the fence on the right of the picture.  Canal restoration work was due to start on this section of the canal in June 2011. A little sound from this run and on the return near Farnborough on Sound 2011 here.
	31 August 2011 70000 Britannia plunges beneath the flyover at Battledown on a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from Southend-on-Sea to Salisbury.  Running around 25 minutes late due to signaling problems near Deepcut, 70000 is powering along in good form here.  We even manage a little sound on Sound 2011 here.
	12 October 2011 70000 Britannia heads through the gloom at Southcote Junction with a VSOE trip from London Victoria to Bristol.  Behind 70000 a Reading bound freight working crawls up the gradient towards Reading West Station.  70000 was standing in for 35028 Clan Line which is currently undergoing annual maintenance. Some sound on the return at an incredibly busy Theale on Sound 2011 here.
	10 December 2011 70000 Britannia heads downhill towards Eastleigh in the first view here.  The actual location is St Cross and this is the final leg of a 'Cathedrals Express' tour from Southend.  On a drab day there is much to enjoy here.  Behind 70000 is the fine Norman church of The Hospital of St Cross.  The whole scene though is dominated by the impressive iron age hillfort at St Catherine's Hill.  Next, in the evening, an overall view of Winchester Station as 70000 prepares to depart for Southend.  We get what is best described as an attempt at sound recording of the departure on Sound 2011 here.

24 April 2011 An all too rare chance to catch up with 5029 Nunney Castle.  5029 was hauling the final leg of the marathon 'Great Britain IV' tour from Bristol to London Paddington.  5029 is seen here digging in to the climb to Savernake summit at Burbage Wharf.  Nearby is the site of Savernake Low Level station.  The impressive 'reporting number' on the smokebox 'Z68' identifies the train on the rail network. The acoustics here are quite poor but there is some sound at Sound 2011 here.

24 July 2011 A regular trip this year is 'The Weymouth Seaside Express' run by The Railway Touring Company.  The trip runs from Bristol to Weymouth and includes the climb of Evershot Bank, a fearsome 3 mile climb at around 1/52.  Three different views here then as 5029 Nunney Castle ploughs up the climb at Evershot.  With 8 coaches in tow and no diesel to assist a quite amazing spectacle.  Don't miss some ear bending sound at Sound 2011 here.

14 May 2011 Making a very welcome debut on Fleet Steam is 'Black 5' No. 45305.  45305 was heading 'The Swanage Belle' from London Waterloo to Swanage with the return being hauled by 70013 Oliver Cromwell.  The first view here sees 45305 getting underway from Woking following a scheduled stop.  Second, 45305 has just departed from the loop at Wallers Ash and is heading downhill through Winchester.  Of note is the old goods shed on the left of the image, now a building offering garage services. 45305 makes a tremendous noise getting away from Woking and we get plenty of action on Sound 2011 here.

21 May 2011 GWR 'Castle' 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe climbs towards Tring with the returning 'Great Western Midlander' in the first view here.  The trip had ran from Tyseley Warwick Road to London Euston in the morning.  Tour company 'Vintage Trains' believe that this is first occasion a 'Castle' has run into Euston since No. 5000 Launceston Castle ran trials into Euston in 1926!  In 2011 this is a quite extraordinary achievement.  Sadly, our view here shows 5043 following a stopping service and is running quite slowly at this point. The second view is taken a few moments later and shows a dramatic view of 5043 heading north beneath the catenary.  With a slow running train and wind ripping across an open field no sound yet again today.

18 June 2011 A classic view of GWR 'Castle' 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe climbs past the pumping station at Crofton with 'The Collett Express' running from Solihull to Bristol.  Just a brief clip of sound today here.

26 May 2011 The remarkable transformation of A4 60019 Bittern is evident in these two views of 60019 on a 'Cathedrals Express' run from London Victoria to Bristol and return.  The conversion of 60019 by Roland Kennington includes garter blue paint scheme to replace the British Railways Brunswick Green, wheel valances and stainless steel numbers.  This is how the A4 class locomotives would have looked hauling prestige express services for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in the late 1930's.  The locomotive is running as No. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand. 60019 is seen near Dorking, climbing through the Surrey Hills beneath Ranmore Common.  60019 makes light work of the heavy train and no sound from this trip.

09 August 2011 A little weak evening sunlight illuminates A4 60019 Bittern running as No. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand.  60019 is heading for London Waterloo following a trip to Weymouth and is seen here approaching Winchfield.  The trip had originated at London Victoria.

19 June 2011 A remarkable visitor to the South, courtesy of 'Steam Dreams' was Class 8F No. 48151.  The 8F was to haul a 'Cathedrals Express' from Alton to Canterbury before returning to Willesden with the remainder of the trip diesel hauled.  Not only is an Alton departure a rare event these days but the route would take the train along the Ascot line via Camberley.  This line has not seen a steam tour for many years.  We travel with the train from Alton to Sunningdale and catch a few images along with an extensive sound track. Our first view here shows the 8F at Ash Vale Junction.  The (unseen) main line runs to Brookwood on the other side of the train here, across Pirbright Common (and beneath via Foxhills Tunnel) and via Pirbright Junction.  48151 is taking the single line to Frimley as the crew acknowledge the staff in the signal box, happily still very much in use.  Next, having passed Frimley, 48151 has started the climb of Camberley Bank.  As the 1/60 climb flattens to around 1/330 at the station the fireman leans from the cab and exclaims, "look at the platform!"  An enormous crowd has gathered at this small station, the platforms and footbridge are packed with people.  Close examination of the image shows the majority are holding some kind of photographic device to record what must have been a memorable sight.  The heavy freight 2-8-0 has 13 coaches in tow.  Of note here is the formidable incline facing the locomotive immediately after the station.  The 8F was due to stop at Camberley and the line then climbs at 1/60 again for around another mile.  From a standing start this is a test for any locomotive but exactly the kind of work the 8F was designed for.  Finally, we have to leave the train at Sunningdale.  A last view then of 48151, the huge level crossing gates shut across the dual road just in front of the 8F. A memorable soundtrack will be available over on Sound 2011 here.

04 September 2011 This trip from 'Steam Dreams' was the 'Atlantic Coast Express' (ACE) due to run from London Waterloo to Newquay, returning on Tuesday the 6th.  The first leg from London to Westbury was booked for 30777 Sir Lamiel.  30777 was heading south with 70013 Oliver Cromwell on Friday afternoon the 2nd from York to Southall in preparation for weekend duties.  Unfortunately, one or both the locomotives caused lineside fires on the East Coast Main Line and the engine move was terminated at Newark.  34067 and 70000 were due to take over the ACE at Westbury.  However, 30777 was unable to continue and hasty rearrangements meant 34067 and 70000 would have to haul the whole trip from London to Newquay along a slightly amended route.  In the event, 34067 was failed at Taunton and 70000 was assisted through South Devon with a Class 47 diesel at the front.  In this view we see 34067 and 70000 going for broke along the Wylye Valley heading for Westbury before the problems with 34067.

19 November 2011 A grey November day saw Vintage Trains running this 'Double-Headed Panniers' tour around the East Midlands.  We manage to catch the trip in a few locations starting out at Arley crossing on the climb to Arley tunnel.  The pair put on a fine display despite the gloomy conditions.  Next, a trip to Desford, a road crossing this time and this view taken from the road.  The panniers head along the freight only branch towards Coalville.  On the left is the old station building which now appears to be a private residence. Following a stop at Coalville, the pair are seen accelerating away towards Burton. Finally, at East Midlands Parkway Station, an amazing scene as the panniers make determined progress along the fast line heading for Leicester. Catch some sound from Arley and Coalville here.

	26 November 2011 Surprisingly, our first view of Tornado this year.  Extended winter maintenance and some contractual problems has meant the A1 not being available for some trips.  This 'Cathedrals Express' trip ran from London Paddington to Shrewsbury and return.  A very blustery day just west of Goring sees 60163 catch just a sliver of early morning brightness as it charges along the 'fast' line.
	14 December 2011 Climbing towards Haslemere on a bright but very windy morning, 60163 Tornado heads a 'Cathedrals Express' trip to Sherborne.  Although going well here, steaming problems later in the day meant a late arrival in Sherborne and a Late homeward departure.  I saw the return near Liss but poor acoustics meant we had no sound to record.  60163 going well though but having lost it's path finally arrived at London Waterloo at 11.30pm.
	17 December 2011 Making a spectacular departure from Twyford on a cold morning is 60163 Torrnado with a 'Cathedrals Express' trip from Ashford(Kent) to Bristol. A huge crowd to view but we do manage some sound at Sound 2011 here.