Members and friends of the Cornwall Railway Society visited the spectacular 'Cotswold Festival of Steam' on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May, 2015. Our coach driven by Dave Letcher and Paul Crate left Penzance at 06.15 and picked up passengers throughout Cornwall and into Devon. With almost a full coach we arrived at Cheltenham Race Course Station some 15 minutes early just in time for most to catch the slightly delayed 11.40 service to Laverton hauled by 34092 Wells. On arrival at Toddington 34007 Wadebridge was added to the formation and then tailed the train to Laverton. At Laverton both pacifics joined the front of the train which made a complete return run to Cheltenham. The visit of these two engines of the Southern West Country Class proved the highlight of the occasion for most enthusiasts. Other engines in attendance being 2897, 7820, 4270, 6960, and 5542. The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway must be congratulated on laying on a very fine show complete with the many other attractions to view during the day. We departed 5 mins early from Cheltenham with the fun fair up and running on the race course, only to be halted at a Cheltenham Level Crossing for the passing of a Voyager - a complete contrast of riding behind steam. Back to Cornwall via the M5 and a diversionary route on the A38 into Cornwall we arrived 8 minutes early at Penzance. We must say a very sincere thank you to our coach drivers Dave & Paul who their very professional driving ensured us a very comfortable ride. Many Thanks!
This write up cannot be considered complete without expressing our thanks to Roger whose careful and very detailed planning ensured an absolute first class day out for us all - few realise what a devoted servant Roger is of the Cornwall Railway Society. His contribution is immense. KJ
This write up cannot be considered complete without expressing our thanks to Roger whose careful and very detailed planning ensured an absolute first class day out for us all - few realise what a devoted servant Roger is of the Cornwall Railway Society. His contribution is immense. KJ
34007 Wadebridge & 34092 Wells head the 14.20 Cheltenham - Laverton seen here at Winchcombe. Copyright Roger Winnen 25th May 2015
150525b Before restoration 4270 sits at Barry Scrapyard awaiting the cutters torch. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
150525c After restoration 4270 has just arrived at Cheltenham on the 11.05 from Laverton. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
150525d 34007 Wadebridge coupled to 34092 Wells out of sight, awaits departure from Winchcombe Station to Cheltenham. Copyright Roger Winnen
150525e Taken five days before our visit, Winchcombe Station is shown on a sunny day 20th May 2015 Copyright Mike Roach
150525f 5542 Departs Toddington on the 15.30 Freight to Cheltenham. Copyright Roger Winnen
More photographs to come in the features section next over the next few days.