Saturday 6 March 2010

"Princess Elizabeth" Graces Nuneaton...

Hi all. Today, at 10:28am, myself and many other fellow Steam Fan's stood on Nuneaton Station awaiting the passing of the beautiful 4-6-2 Princess Royal Class Stanier Pacific No6201 "Princess Elizabeth". "Lizzie" was working the 'Doric Olympian' railtour, operated by Vintage Trains Limited, which ran from Tyseley-Crewe-London-Crewe-Tyseley. The Crewe-London-Crewe section was hauled by the massive Princess Pacific and, right on time, she burst through Nuneaton Station with her 12-coach load (plus Tyseley's Class 47 773!). 47 773 had hauled the railtour from Tyseley-Crewe (where 6201 took over) and would also haul the last portion of the return journey between Crewe & Tyseley, leaving 6201 stationed at Crewe. I did see "Lizzie" at Crewe in November when she was being worked on at Pete Waterman's LNWR Loco Works however, this was the first ever time I've seen her in steam. However, when planning my shot, I had hoped that the Princess, permitted to run up to 75mph, would be on the 'Down Main' line. But, unfortunately, due to today's "modern age", the Midland Lady was put on the 'Down Slow'. (Obviously the steamers can't be expected to beat the furiously-fast Pendalino's!). The 'Down Slow' passes through Nuneaton Station on Platform 5 which, unfortunately for me, is perhaps the worst ever platform for video or photography!...

The 1933-built Pacific is seen above roaring through Platform 5 with the train which ran down into London's Kensington Olympia. However, the beautiful Stanier Pacific returned from London Euston, attacking Camden Bank on her way out of the Capital, recreating 1930's Stanier steam, a spectacle that hasn't been recreated by a real Midland veteran for a long time! (A "Lizzie" on Camden Bank would have been a site to behold, shame it wasn't off to Glasgow or banked by a "Crab" Mogul!). "Lizzie" was preserved in 1962 and since then has chugged many more miles, most of which have been on the main line! For more information on the engine see http://www.6201.co.uk/ . After seeing the Princess, in the rather cramped surroundings of Platform 5, I returned to the local Asda where I met back up with my Mum with the lift home. Thanks for reading folks!! Afternoon All...

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