On board the Shakespeare Express Week 6 | Lineside and On board | 05/09/21

Today's video is of the Shakespeare Express on its last week of operation, the 5th September 2021. GWR (WR) 7029 Clun Castle was hauling the train today, so two friends of mine and one friend's aunt accompanied me from our local station to Birmingham Snow Hill, where we caught the first departure of the day from Snow Hill down to Stratford. Luckily, we'd chosen a fantastic day for it and Clun Castle took us through the lovely, quaint countryside down to Stratford Upon Avon.
We alighted and had a good walk around the centre, including a trip to Barnaby's Fish and Chips shop, which was excellent as usual. The centre was bustling with people as expected with the weather being so good, but we visited all the attractions one could possibly want to. Dad Cam was also waiting at Bentley Heath for the first morning train.
At 16:13 we were on board the return to Snow Hill, this time along the Chiltern Mainline. I called 'Dad Cam' out of hibernation at home and sent him over to the crossing, once we were past Hatton West Jn. Once we passed Hatton North Jn we were in for a real treat. Clun began really thrashing it along, and by the time we were parallel with the M40 we were already at a similar speed to the cars, even overtaking some of the slower ones. I'm certain that Clun went over the 75mph limit, although the guards wouldn't tell us this of course lol. Dad Cam was nicely set up at Bentley Heath, but (other than 70000 Britannia) I've never heard of being able to hear a steam train approaching from beyond Dorridge, and Dad tells me he could hear it well before it whistled for the station. Then it was flying along until we'd gotten so far ahead of the timetable that we were caught by a service in front of us. Despite this slowdown, in the Olton area, our point to point timing for Hatton North to Tyseley was 15 mins, whereas the Chiltern "Mainline" services do it in 21 mins. So much for steam being dead. I'm going to do some mathematical point to point timings for this run to work out some speeds but it felt faster than usual and it was incredibly enjoyable. Thank you Vintage Trains for such a wonderful day out.
EDIT: 7029 Clun Castle travelled between Hatton North and Tyseley at an average speed of ~63 mph. Given the slowdown near Olton I am even more convinced we touched 80 at some point. It also passed Dad Cam at ~74mph. Nice!
Hope you enjoy!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I’ve just been told that 4953 pitchford hall which was the loco that used to be part of the vintage trains fleet 14 years ago is replacing 46233 for the seven valley railway visit because 46233 is in bits

[@crunchynutsteamfilms5043]

Shame about 46233 being in bits, but Pitchford Hall is well worth going out to see, haven't seen an un-modified Hall in a while. Thanks, Dan

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@crunchynutsteamfilms5043 me too Dan pitchford hall is new loco to me because I’ve haven’t seen that loco yet

[@blackcountrysteamvideos8021]

Great shots dan. I planned to go to Bentley heath crossing for the first train back to brum but opted for the bridge at Dorridge. Wish I’d have chosen the crossing now. Jamie said that he had seen you.

[@crunchynutsteamfilms5043]

Yes it was lovely to talk to Jamie, I did know he would tell you he'd seen me lol. Bentley Heath is my local location so for the first train it was the obvious choice. The bridge is still a good shot though, so not a bad choice by any stretch. Glad you enjoyed, Dan

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I had three railtours at my local station first the northern belle to Paignton with the 57s then the railtour to Paddington behind the 69s their debut railtour appearance and finally 47245 on the steam dreams railtour to Crewe Luke check out my footages

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I had three railtours passing my local station Dan first the northern belle to Paignton behind 57314 and 601 then the 69s first ever railtour to Paddington and then finally 47245 heading a Crewe service on a steam dream railtour on the same day

[@crunchynutsteamfilms5043]

Good to hear of these railtours, personally I'm glad I missed them as I much prefer steam but if you enjoyed it that's what counts. Thanks, Dan

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@crunchynutsteamfilms5043 yeah I prefer all three diesel electric and steam

[@SYKAROST]

You're getting too good at this Dan Lol. Great comprehensive coverage of your day out on the finale and coming straight after a busy time yesterday. 'Dad Cam' did well to be in two places at once. I stayed up at the Birmingham end this week. regards, Brian.

[@crunchynutsteamfilms5043]

Thank you very much, the trip yesterday was Short Term Planned lol so really speaking this weekend wasn't to be as busy as it was, even if I really enjoyed both trips. 'Dad Cam' would have done well to be in two places if he was lol, the first shot was of the morning train and the second of the one we were on. Will look out for your footage when it comes out of the works, regards, Dan

[@SYKAROST]

@@crunchynutsteamfilms5043 Pleasure Dan, will be checking your day out later. Mines up now mate.... Cheers, brian.