A consultation of Realtime Trains on Friday evening, September 18th, showed not one but two charter trains over the Midland line to Bristol and beyond. Both were close together at around 9.25 on Saturday, September 19th, writes Ian Thomas.
One was a Railway Touring Company diesel charter featuring Class 47s top-and-tailing on a tour from Crewe to Fowey, Carne Point: a china clay-only line these days, having lost its passenger services on January 2nd, 1965, with all services withdrawn on and from January 4th, 1965. The train left Crewe at 6.27, running as 1Z19, “The Cornish Branch Liner,” and picked up passengers at Cheltenham and Cam and Dursley en route.
Next up was a private charter. This one certainly stood out, as it was to be hauled by none other than LNER A3 4-6-2 No. 60103, “Flying Scotsman.” It was run by an organisation that I had not heard of before, going by the title of “Fox and Edward Events,” with Scotsman at the helm throughout to Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway. The train started its day at Stourbridge Junction at 7.13, reporting number 1Z40.
Unfortunately, that morning there was a major problem with the signals around Cheltenham, and all CrossCountry trains were cancelled. With dull and drizzly weather, things did not bode well to begin with.
However, the rail operators turned it around and were able to get the two trains through the problem area, albeit very late at that point. The diesel charter was 96 minutes late in Somerset, but it recouped some time further into Devon. So, I ventured down to the station and found about 80 or so spectators awaiting 60103. It eventually passed 64 minutes late, while the Cornish charter was 77 minutes late — but both were worth braving the wet and dull conditions for.
Pictures by Ian Thomas
