Notes :
(1) This trip was a celebration of it being 40 years since the end of Southern steam.
(2) Train terminated at Westbury due to collapse of brick arch on engine.
(3) The booked route after Westbury was: Westbury - Warminster - Salisbury - as outward - Clapham Junction.
(4) 37248 brought the ECS into Waterloo - was this used on the tour at all?

Source : Charles Baldwin & John Clifford

Tour Review
(from John Clifford)

This was the 2nd trip of the weekend to commemorate 40 years since the end of Southern steam.

There was a late start as there had been problems in marshalling the stock at Stewarts Lane. However some brisk running combined with cutting the generous allowances for water saw us reach Exeter early. There was late start from Exeter due to problems with servicing the engine (possibly connected with the later brick arch collapse). Further brisk running ensued but Bristol water stop was extended as the hydrant was slow. By the time we reached Westbury it was evident that the train could not go further, the crew deciding it was better to stop in Westbury rather than risk stalling on Upton Scudamore bank.

Some passengers returned via local trains in the Salisbury direction but for those returning to London we were allowed to travel by the 2130 ex Westbury. Here Nemesis struck! There was a herd of cows on the line at Castle Cary. The 2130 left Westbury at 2303 arriving in London at about 0045. I finally got to my hotel at 0115.

Because of the problems the stock could not be serviced in time for the following day's trip to Weymouth & that train was cancelled.

John Clifford

Photo Review
(all photos: Gordon Jakes)

850 pulls into Woking on the outward run.

850 at Exeter St Davids.

...and Bristol, where an extended water stop took place.

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from John Clifford)

Timings continue in the first table.

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