5029 Nunney Castle and the Great Britain IV 24-04-11

Sunday 24th April, the last day of the Great Britain IV. This fourth annual, marathon, round Britain rail tour ended with 5029 Nunney Castle bringing the train from Bristol to Paddington.
A dash down the M4 to Swindon, and then across country via Marlborough and Devizes, brought us to a bridge at Great Cheverell, less than ten minutes before train time.
While the Castle took water at Woodborough, we moved ahead to Crofton. Quite a crowd had gathered at Grafton Curve as we passed, but we had already decided to head for the canal side below the pumping station. Eventually, 5029 could be heard, way off in the distance, storming Savernake and everyone got ready. A period of silence followed before the loco could be heard again, this time closer, then more silence. Finally, smoke could be seen drifting and Nunney Castle appeared around the bend, moving very slowly. It would appear that there is a clearance issue with the road bridge on the curve because once clear of the bridge 5029 opened up and blasted away towards Newbury. This was bad news for all those who had set up before the bridge, a bonus for those who were beyond it.
At Twyford the tables were turned. It was good news for anyone who has taken a chance on the up fast line and tough luck for those of us who had expected the train to be on the slow. Fortunately there was enough of a view over the fence that we didn't totally miss out.
After arrival at Paddington, the class 47, that had been attached at Reading, took the empty stock out to Greenford, from where 5029 took it to Hayes before the 47 returned it to Southall yard. It's during Nunney Castle's part in this complicated manoeuvre that we see the train leave the Greenford branch and pass through Hanwell.
Finally, having left the train at Southall, loco and support coach pass through Iver on their way back to Tyseley.

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