December 1st saw preserved ex-LNER A4 class Pacific 60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" pulling the Steam Dreams' Cathedrals Express steam excursion from London Victoria to Bath and Bristol, via the Staines and Ascot line and the Newbury line.

On a freezing morning, the train ran about 15 minutes late as the local trains were all delayed by "slippery rail conditions".

We first see the train arriving at Ascot for a water and passenger pick-up stop, then making a difficult departure with a heavy train, proving the station announcer correct! These locos were originally designed to pull the "Silver Jubilee" streamlined express trains from London to Edinburgh with just 7 coaches, so a load of 12 full coaches can be a challenge to get going. The engine driver quickly controlled the wheelslips, and the train got away looking nice in the sunshine.

We see her next at Hamstead level crossing a few miles past Newbury, just over an hour later. By then she was well up to speed and had not lost any more time.

It's worth noting that a lot of the modern fleet of trains did not fare so well this morning, with lots of cancellations and delays caused by the freezing conditions!

Apologies for some camera shake, I was shivering!

свернуть