A Super Sunny "Shakespeare"...

"A Sunlit Castle" (Pic - D.Chandler)

Hi all. After our week away in Devon, we returned home to what turned out to be a baking Bank Holiday weekend. Today, bright and early, I was on my way over to the former 84E to volunteer on the Support Crew for Tyseley's "Shakespeare Express". Due to the gauging issues which have plagued the regular engine No4965 "Rood Ashton Hall", the larger Castle has been the mainstay of the 2017 season. Today was no exception and an immaculate "Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" was edging gently outside as I arrived at the shed. Whilst the rest of the team busied themselves around her with the oil feeders, I grabbed some rag and a set of ladders before setting to with the Brasso. With the sun beaming down, it was already warm at 7:30am and a lovely day was in prospect as the "Earl" brewed up patiently...

At 8am, under blue skies, the "Earl" hissed into life in readiness to go off shed. Reams of condensate filled the air as she summoned her strength to move forwards...

Tyseley engines benefit from a hard working gang of cleaners which turn up during the week between the "Shakespeare" services. They had once again made sure that the "Earl" was shining for her Sunday appearance and the 1936-built 4-6-0 looked a real picture as she awaited departure with the ECS for Snow Hill on this cloudless morning. I think I have about 300 shots or so now of the Castle stood in the exact same spot. I suppose I should really get more creative...

With a little time to spare before the off, I wandered down the yard to have a look at a brief visitor to 84E: "Oliver Cromwell". Built at Crewe in 1951, No70013 had recently arrived at Tyseley from her base at the GCR. In a few days she'll be off to Didcot to collect the blue King before towing her to Old Oak Common for the open day next Saturday. The Britannia made an imposing sight in the sunlit yard...

Back at 5043, "right time" was nearing...

In an effort not to bore regular readers too much, I won't go into massive detail about the goings on today as it was the usual "Shakespeare" format. Instead, I'll just caption a few of the pictures below. After running round the ECS at Snow Hill, 5043 is brought onto the 10am departure for Stratford (Train A)...

After a pleasant run down to Shakespeare's birthplace, we watered the Castle in the usual manner before she backed onto the waiting train. As we have a fairly long layover here I decided to wander over the footbridge and photograph the simmering loco. Unfortunately, the warm sunshine did little for me except create a sea of haze. It was very warm down in Stratford and the rather clement weather duly called for an ice cream and a slush (we know how to live!)...

After returning to Birmingham on Train B, our short run round at Snow Hill was followed by a prompt departure back to Stratford. After watering and servicing, I had a second attempt at the 'waiting for departure shot' with 5043. This one turned out considerably better as the beautiful "Earl" simmered in the sun...

With the sun still shining, the "Earl" left Stratford behind and jogged homeward under the wonderful blue skies. Not to be poetic but a thoroughbred Great Western engine tearing through the green fields of the Warwickshire countryside on a summer Sunday afternoon like this is quite pleasant to experience!...

"A Countryside Castle" (Pic - D.Chandler)

Having the Support Coach right behind the loco on the homeward runs does have its advantages as when we pull up I can grab a shot before the mass of onlookers arrives. 5043 is pictured just after arrival at Snow Hill...

As usual the final run round was followed by a prompt departure back to Tyseley with the ECS. The "Earl" descended into the 'middle road' ready to be shunt released by the Class 08 diesel shunter. Another job well done...

With the train out of the way, a still sparkling 5043 steamed back to the shed...

Finally, the engine rests on the shed road after another successful day out...

There you go then folks - another grand day out with the "Shakespeare Express". I've tried not to ramble on too much with this one as the pictures speak louder than words. Today was another interesting, enjoyable and humorous day out on the Support Crew, if a little warm! I must thank Tyseley for their continued hospitality: its a pleasure to be involved. I must also thank David Chandler for continuing to put up with me badgering him for images - thanks David! All in all, another great experience. Next week is the last "Shakespeare" of 2017 - don't miss it. Cheers all, Sam...