LNER B1 61306 Mayflower at speed up Sapperton Bank with The Cotswold Explorer - 08/04/2023

LNER B1 Class no. 61306 Mayflower took the helm of the Cotswold Explorer from London to Worcester during the easter holidays yesterday bound for Worcester. The B1 took the train via Swindon which included the climb up Sapperton Bank. It was originally supposed to go via Oxford along the Cotswold Main Line via Evesham. However, due to one of the viaducts between Oxford and Didcot needing urgent repairs due to incredibly large structural cracks and the foundation sinking, Network Rail decided to close throughout Easter and potentially even beyond. That meant we got a chance to get Mayflower up Sapperton Bank again.

My first shot was of course on the climb to Sapperton Tunnel. I filmed her at Coates Crosing just after Kemble. However, the train was on time during the changeover from diesel to Mayflower, unfortunately, heavy traffic in the London area caused the train to leave London half an hour late which unfortunately didn't make up time before reaching me. Unfortunately, the clouds gathered where if she was on time, it would have been lovely and sunny, I guess that's what usually happens. Anyways, the locomotive can be heard through Kemble station and I knew she meant business, she rounded the corner sounding marvellous to the onlookers at the crossing and looking the part. Given she had a very heavy train with 12 coaches and a diesel, she seemed in fine fettle as she took on Sapperton Bank.

After an afternoon break, I decided to head to Homedown Crossing at Ashcurch to get the B1 at full speed on her way back to London. The engine lost more heading into Worcester which meant her servicing at Worcester was more time constraint and it predictably meant she was going to leave Worcester late as well. She left Worcester 50 minutes late, however, the weather was better with a nice hazy evening sun basking around the area whilst waiting for the train. With the conditions getting hotter it meant that as she finally passed Ashcurch there wasn't much exhaust from her chimney. However, she sounded really good and seemed to be at her maximum speed through Ashcuhrch as she flew past.

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Видео LNER B1 61306 Mayflower at speed up Sapperton Bank with The Cotswold Explorer - 08/04/2023 канала Full Steam Ahead