LSL Charter, Crewe to Carmarthen Featuring 45231 'Sherwood Forester' 02/04/2021.

A very special day, I went out to record the first Steam hauled charter to run the full length of the Central Wales route for over eighteen months. Today's charter was run by LSL, and was hauled by 45231 assisted by D8107 in Green livery from Crewe to Carmarthen via Llandovery and Llandeilo.
Unfortunately, the train was terminated at Llandeilo with the failure of the Black 5. Immense crowds came out to enjoy this spectacle, with the relaxation of travel within Wales. My final location was to be Ferryside, but the Charter never made it that far, so I captured 60015 heading West along the coast with the 11.19 Westerleigh to Robertson empty MURCO tank train.

[@Wulfbear99]

Great filming Bob it was a little less crowded at our end of the line thank goodness! Your sea views are always welcome here in Mid Wales looking forward to getting to the coast once again.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Brian, you need to use the freedom we've been granted to visit the Coast before it's taken away again....Bob

[@Thomas1980]

😊Fantastic Video!👍Thumbs Up & LIKE 92 Best greetings from Switzerland😊

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Thomas, especially as you are from Switzerland, Best wishes from Wales....Bob

[@yarisman2]

Absolutely wonderful to see one of your superb videos again Bob, I've really missed them. It is quite nice to be able to be out and about once more, let's hope it continues. I hope both you and Mrs. M are keeping well and healthy. See you soon, hopefully.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Clive, it was surreal to be out there capturing Steam on the Central Wales line, and despite the problems, Mrs M and I had a wonderful day out. Best wishes....Bob

[@railfreightdrivergallagherGBRf]

Excellent as always Rob👌

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Michael, your kind comment is greatly appreciated.

[@canvids1]

Hi Bob what a treat to see our great long time video man out there doing what he loves to do right place at the right time and capture it on video. So good Bob that you were able to get out there and capture all this rail traffic after all the restrictions that has been going on. All the best and Thanks from Canada for your work.

[@robmasterman]

Hi, Wayne, it's been wonderful getting out and about again, and even better when you can capture trains as well...Your kind comments are greatly appreciated as always.....Best wishes....Bob

[@hemerdonbank]

Thought you would be out for this, Bob. Great to see steam out again, just a shame there were problems. It certainly brought people out on a lovely day, bet it almost seemed normal again. Keith.

[@robmasterman]

Just had to do it Keith, it's been a mad 24 hours, but thoroughly enjoyable....Regards...Bob

[@RickyNowis]

This is mega. Nice as always Bob and great to see mainline steam back along The Heart Of Wales Line :-)

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Ricky, it was a great day despite the later problems...Bob.

[@moxon2313]

Great Footage of Steam 45231 & 60015 with the Murco Tanks!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Richard for your kind and greatly appreciated comments.

[@moxon2313]

@@robmasterman No Worries

[@midwalesstokie]

Great stuff as always Bob and good to see you out filming again. James

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much James, it was a wonderful day, and I'm so grateful that I was able to capture what I did...Bob.

[@bobnweaver]

Superb video Bob. Great to see some steam out and about again and a real bonus seeing the Class 20 and that wonderful rolling stock. Nice to see the people out again in the sunshine. Regards, Jeff.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Jeff, a wonderful feeling seeing steam on the HOW line again. The stock looking superb as always...Best wishes...Bob

[@saltleywsc]

Great video Bob ,nice to see Fred in the seat !

[@robmasterman]

That's where he belongs Merv, he's such a great character.....Bob.

[@simonpilk]

As always Bob, superbly to your usual high standard. Oddly enough my favourite part was the 60 rounding the sea wall at Ferryside and seeing the complete train length of tankers in one frame so to speak. Excellent stuff and I spotted Fred Lewis at the helm of the steamer.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Simon, first day out capturing trains for months, it was a very strange feeling. All footage was hand held, resulting in some shakes along the way. It was good to see Fred and Chris today, both great Drivers....Regards....Bob

[@stephensrailways]

Excellent video Bob!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Steve, it's so good to see some steam after such a long break from it.

[@godfreycarr4326]

I was there Bob, at the three locations. Another great video😊

[@robmasterman]

There was so many people on the platforms, it was utter madness, with no masks or social distancing Godfrey...still had a great day though, thanks for your kind comments.

[@EMuksteam]

Brilliant video Bob. Good day out with outstanding footage at very busy stations. Shame the steam engine failed. Thoroughly enjoyed watching. Best wishes C&A

[@robmasterman]

Thanks as always for your continued support. Despite the problems, it was wonderful being able to get out and see such wonderful sights again...Best wishes....Bob.

[@SimonTog]

Wonderful video Bob, big thumbs up :)

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Simon, you are very kind.

[@howarth004]

Nice one Bob, well worth turning out for , and blue sky sunshine to boot 👍

[@robmasterman]

A fabulous day Dave, despite the later problems.

[@spark6886]

Bob, so enjoyable ~ thanks for clocking up the miles to include the bonus Class 60 going at just the optimum speed.for Video !

[@robmasterman]

It's been a mad 24 hours, but very enjoyable, so thanks for your kind comments, which are greatly appreciated...Bob

[@caerphillycastle]

What a fab day at least as far as the sunshine was concerned Bob. Great to see the bits I didn't, but was part of if you get my drift! Lovely to chat to you on the phone. Thanks for the updates on the train situation. You did very well at both Llandovery & Llandelio in getting shots amongst the throngs of sightseers. Loved the shot of the Tankers at the end Bob. I should have stayed because the lighting was great. Well done. I really enjoyed watching you video. Going to upload mine tomorrow as I was too shattered this evening. Geraint

[@robmasterman]

It was indeed Ger, such a shame in ended in the way it did. Looking forward to your footage tomorrow. It was such a treat to see some steam on the how again despite the large crowds....Best wishes...Bob

[@wooltman]

Been expecting and looking forward to your video of this trip.Shame it had problems...Lovely day for a lockdown free trip out,you lucky people! ..Roll on when we can do the same...Best wishes Chris

[@robmasterman]

It all seemed so surreal Chris, Steam, sunshine, and more people than I've seen for a long time. A wonderful day despite the problems...Best wishes...Bob

[@DOCTORDROTT]

Nice video Bob, good to see my pals Fred and Chris on the footplate

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Martyn, both the boys are true stars...it was a great day, good to see some steam again....Bob

[@rjas365]

Much enjoyed, thanks Bob, and so pleased your plans worked out and you got to film the Black 5. A pity about the curtailment of the journey but something of a milestone nevertheless. Kind regards, Bob

[@robmasterman]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it Bob, it's been such a long time since I captured some steam, and despite the issues, we had a marvelous day, in that glorious weather....Regards....Bob

[@sianmickiewicz4877]

Super filming, Bob, Ian 👍👍

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Ian, that's very kind of you, and greatly appreciated....Bob

[@sianmickiewicz4877]

Deserved praise, Bob 👍👍-Ian

[@ncplantdoctor]

Great to see steam out and about and also enjoyed the cut of tanks across the bay at low tide after that.

[@robmasterman]

With our new found freedom in Wales, it's a wonderful thing to be able to go out and capture some steam again. Thanks as always for your support....Bob

[@christineholyoake4298]

Lovely video Bob.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Chris, it's been such a wonderful day.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Good to see steam again Bob , pretty packed on the stations by the look of things. Shame about the trespassing.

[@robmasterman]

First steam I've seen in eighteen months Steve, and it was so good to go out and see it yesterday. Shame about the failure etc; but an enjoyable experience none the less.

[@TheWesternExplorer]

Excellent video Bob. Guessed you might be out for this. Nice weather too. Regards, Dave.

[@robmasterman]

Couldn't miss this one Dave...first steam in 18 months....Regards....Bob

[@charlestellis7021]

Beautiful!

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Charles, your kind comment is greatly appreciated.

[@MrVinnyh]

I enjoyed that Bob.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Vinny, a hectic day, but despite the problems, I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@Peppercorn60163Tornado]

Good catch of her, seemed like the driver knew you

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much, I'm very fortunate to know many of the crews.

[@paulrees555]

Great to see, my wife and I were standing on the opposite side of the track 🙂

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Paul, it was a wonderful treat today, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did....Bob

[@philipholt9112]

Hi, Robert my name Phil I did 50yrs on the footplate 8yrs on steam i started at edgeley shed on the 4th of April 1961 I moved to Trafford Park shed as a fireman in 1964 I moved back to edgeley shed I finished my time out at longsight in 2011 Regards Phil.

[@robmasterman]

Hello Phil, how wonderful to have such a long career on the footplate, you must be very proud....Best wishes....Bob.

[@grahamandsylviaevans6451]

Great to see it disappointed didnt make it to us in Pembrey.thanks

[@robmasterman]

Indeed, I'm luck I managed to get it when I did, as if I'd left it to Pembrey and Ferryside, then I'd have missed it as well. Thanks for watching.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Great video! Shame about how it all ended but I must say I enjoyed the Class 60 shot!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much, all footage was hand held, hence the slight shakes. Ferryside would have been a great location to capture the Black 5.

[@mathewwilliams5470]

Great video Bob, You bumped into my Brother and My Dad at Llandeilo I was told.

[@robmasterman]

Yes I did Mathew, we had a conversation across the platforms!

[@benbearwilliams2161]

Nice to have seen you again bob

[@GreatBritishRailways1]

Bob, Beautiful weather throughout your video and good to see some steam action in South Wales. The Black Five failing needlessly was obviously a big disappointment for you and many others but the Class 60 was a great sight to see in a spectacular location. Regards, John

[@robmasterman]

It was almost a surreal day John, this was the first time I've seen steam over the last eighteen months. Despite the problems. it was still a special day..Regards....Bob.

[@welshsteamproductions575]

Great footage as usual! Debated heading out today but decided to focus on tomorrow, but sounds like that won’t be happening now. James.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks James, as far as I know, there will be two 37's working the Carmarthen to Gloucester leg tomorrow....Bob

[@SYKAROST]

A great chase which I'm sure you thoroughly enjoyed Bob as did I watching it. LSL were sending a diesel to take over from Gloucester tomorrow..... it might now run to Carmarthen instead and my plans will be ripped up☹. Best wishes, Brian.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Brian, the 20 brought the coaching stock to Carmarthen in the early hours today, not sure at the moment what will bring them up to Gloucester as yet....Best wishes...Bob

[@Railwaylad28]

6.28 you heard the breaks slam on and instantly knew something had gone wrong and when she was setting off from Llandovery at the crossing it seemed a while going

[@robmasterman]

Well spotted, it's such a shame that this special day was cut short for so many, waiting to see it further West.

[@Railwaylad28]

@@robmasterman I was so devastated even took my 7 month year old to see his first steam train but that will have to wait a bit longer now

[@alextrainspotterhd6444]

Brilliant footage Bob would of been nice for me to have gone down to see this but I live in England and we had different rules at the time. 🙂

[@robmasterman]

It's so frustrating Alex, hopefully, things will improve for us all shortly.

[@alextrainspotterhd6444]

@@robmasterman yes indeed can’t wait if you know anyone esle that might like to subscribe to my channel Bob that will be great trying to reach 800 by the end of august

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

Well captured, as per usual Bob. Just a pity there's so many folk with mobile phones now!

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Mike, it was total madness, no masks and little regard to social distancing. Good to get out and see some steam though, despite the problems.

[@pannierprairie7884]

Cor blimey it looked busy Bob! Definitely more than just a few enthusiasts watching it! I wondered why the train was showing as close to 500 minutes late on RTT, so thanks for the explanation! Didn't get to see it myself, as I live the wrong side of the border, so thank you for uploading your footage. Also, any idea who Jocelyn Fielding was (the person commemorated on the class 20)?

[@robmasterman]

There were far too many people out these to see it, and ignoring and social distancing. I.m afraid I don't know who Jocelyn Fielding is, I couldn't fin anything on the net either. thanks for your kind comments....Bob

[@pannierprairie7884]

@@robmasterman Yes, even when I went out to see some steam before all of the lockdowns and tiers in England, there were too many people on platforms to be able to distance ourselves! Having had a rewatch of your video, the surname on the loco is actually spelt 'Feilding', so I have managed to find out via Google that he was an artist who sadly passed away in May 2020 due to Covid.

[@jakeytrainspotting1241]

Nice shot of the 60! Shame the steamer didn't make it there.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Jakey, Ferryside's a wonderful location.

[@NeathVideos]

I missed this today,so appreciate the upload,also what camera are you using,it is pin sharp. make/model if possible

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much Martin, my camera is a Panasonic X920, which is no longer produced...it's a superb camera.

[@chrissybond5159]

Great video, thanks for filming. What happened to the steam after the incident? am wondering how they would get it back.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Chrissy, the steam loco was left in a siding at Llandeilo, and is still there. The 20 went down to Carmarthen late on Friday night, the returned to Newport on Saturday, where two class 37's took over for a run to Penzance and eventually 40 hauled to London then back to Crewe.

[@anthonypowell5665]

Supposed to ne going back by low loader

[@brightbox9414]

Great footage! And Can I share please? Was it a special event hence why there were so many people? Or is it because that area doesn’t get much steam?

[@robmasterman]

Hello Elizabeth, thanks for asking and please feel free to share. The reason why there were so many people out to see it, is that a steam hauled excursion has become a rare event on the Heart of Wales line..Hope that helps.

[@brightbox9414]

@@robmasterman yes I wondered that. Because when we were In Chepstow in 2016 to see Mayflower the station was packed

[@robmasterman]

@@brightbox9414 A steam hauled train will always bring out the crowds Elizabeth, thanks for your comments.

[@jonathansanger862]

It's a bit of a recreated scene in South West Scotland when I saw it south of Llanwrtyd Wells.

[@robmasterman]

Very similar topography Jonathan, thanks for watching it.

[@Garjames1]

We waited in Pantyfynnon Station for almost an hour to see it. There was an amazing turnout of people. Unfortunately it must have broken down not long after this footage was taken so it didn't get to us.

[@robmasterman]

Such a shame Gareth, as so many people were looking forward to seeing it. The last time was over 18 months ago.

[@anthonypowell5665]

Looks like a lot of the problems seem to be sightseers rather than the enthusiasts

[@robmasterman]

It was total madness at times Anthony, I've never seen so many people on the stations.

[@thomashenderson3901]

Any idea what failed?

[@Sussex_Rail_Enthusiast847]

Failed with wheelflats.

[@thomashenderson3901]

@@Sussex_Rail_Enthusiast847 Thanks. This opens far more questions in my mind, but I'll leave it at that!

[@robmasterman]

Still being investigated Thomas.

[@thomashenderson3901]

@@robmasterman Thanks.

[@edwardf5328]

You can hear a snap noise a fraction of a second before the brakes go on, not sure if that noise is linked

[@anthonypowell5665]

Sadly spoilt by tresspassers

[@robmasterman]

It certainly was Anthony, the Driver was so shaken, he had to be taken off the train.

[@benbearwilliams2161]

3 near misses the passenger service reported