A Puritanical ride down to Devon with 70013 Oliver Cromwell

[Paulsw2]

This was the other Saturday, out of Paddington nice and early and down to Dartmouth in Devon behind Britannia class 70013 Oliver Cromwell. My first time behind a steam loco on the mainline, no idea what to expect. Very impressed - though limited to 75mph and with 12 fully loaded Mk1s behind, 70013 was extremely sprightly all the way down from Bristol to Kingswear/Dartmouth. Those kettles can really move!

Highlight was undoubtedly zooming along the sea wall at Dawlish. And everyone stops to wave at a steam loco for some reason!

Here's 70013 steaming away at Bristol:
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/paulsw2/P1020120.jpg

Did I say it was a puritanical ride? Well perhaps not on the way back - here's our table set for the four of us:
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n264/paulsw2/P1020178.jpg

I don't often post in this thread, but I wanted to share what was a fabulous day out, much enjoyed by all. I grew up in the BR Blue period so had no idea about steam locos, but I can begin to see why their passing was so mourned.

Paul

 

[WileeCoyote]

Very nice, but where's the caviar?:hehe:

WileeCoyote

 

[itareus]

I remember walking the Dawlish - Teignmouth sea wall many times as a child and waving at the Kings, Castles etc. often getting a wave back from the traincrew and passengers. I doubt that an HST has the same appeal!

I take it yours is the can of tonic water on the table.....

Cheers!

Chris

 

[Paulsw2]

...I take it yours is the can of tonic water on the table.....

Chris

Indeed, for my pre-dinner G&T!

As we were a party of four including two ladies, the excellent dining was offered as an inducement for them to accompany us two chaps. They got a four course dinner, we got 70013!

That said, there is something about sipping champagne as you speed through the countryside behind a Pacific steam loco (almost) flat out. :hehe:

Paul (in 1950s mode)