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  • GWR 175 Event: September 25, 2010
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Author Topic: 'The Brunelian' FGW HST Railtour. 25th September 2010  (Read 24063 times)
JayMac
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« on: June 14, 2010, 18:21:34 »

Pathfinder Tours in conjunction with Modern Railways, Railways Illustrated and First Great Western are running a High Speed Train railtour on 25th September 2010 as part of the 'GWR (Great Western Railway) 175' celebrations.

The tour starts at Paddington, thence to Swindon via the B&H (Berks and Hants - railway line from Reading to Taunton via Westbury) and TransWilts for a visit to the STEAM museum (entrance included). From Swindon the HST (High Speed Train) then travels to Bristol Parkway, down the freight line to St Andrew's Road then the Severn Beach Line into Bristol Temple Meads. From Bristol Temple Meads it will visit the Portishead Line as far as the Network Rail boundary. Back to Bristol Temple Meads for the train to be serviced, thence on to Paddington via Box Tunnel.

FGW (First Great Western) are splitting 2 sets to provide a 2+7 with 2 TFBs (Trailer First Buffet (Mark 3 coach type)), 4 TFs, and a TGS.

Full details, including fares and timings can be found at either the Modern Railways or Pathfinder Tours websites.

Some rare workings there for a HST. Anyone know whether HSTs have ever visited the Severn Beach or Portishead Lines?
 
« Last Edit: June 14, 2010, 18:33:19 by bignosemac » Logged

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Brucey
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« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2010, 18:44:39 »

Looks like a very good tour.  Shame I won't be around the area on that day as I'd love to see an HST (High Speed Train) on the Severn Beach Line (didn't even think the line would be suitable for a HST)!
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« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2010, 18:46:55 »

is it me or have fgw been involved with quite a few railtours this year?
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Brucey
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« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2010, 18:48:47 »

I notice that "train travels under Clifton suspension bridge" on the Portishead Line.  Probably a good one for enthusiasts and photographers.  Another one that I'd like to see.

May have to change my plans to be in Bristol on this date!
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devon_metro
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« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2010, 18:55:57 »

I'll actually be in the area in September, so might be worth a trip to the Clifton suspension bridge for this one.
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inspector_blakey
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« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2010, 18:58:58 »

Voyagers have certainly used the Severn Beach line during diversions before (I think whilst Filton Abbey Wood was being remodelled a few years ago). I think there's also a posted speed limit for HSTs (High Speed Train), or used to be, at Narroways Junction.
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JayMac
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« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2010, 19:08:05 »

There are 'split' speed boards along the line with different speeds for loco hauled and DMUs (Diesel Multiple Unit). Guessing the HST (High Speed Train) will be limited to the hauled speed.

Seriously considering giving this one a go, happy to pay the ^65 and join at Swindon. Hoping that's possible.
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« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2010, 19:09:45 »

Seriously considering giving this one a go, happy to pay the ^65 and join at Swindon. Hoping that's possible.
The Torbay Express website appear to be selling tickets for this one, where they only offer Paddington and Reading as PU (stops to Pick Up only) points.
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JayMac
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« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2010, 19:12:43 »

Ah, Swindon won't be possible unless there's a scheduled stop on the return working. Gonna be an early doors trip up to RDG(resolve) methinks.
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devon_metro
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« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2010, 21:06:34 »

They often do 'part fares' assuming there are seats of course.
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JayMac
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« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2010, 21:56:33 »

Rather short notice, but.....

From Modern Railways:

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Opportunity to travel on the Portbury branch this Saturday

Travel on the Portbury freight branch railway!

There is an opportunity to travel on the branch railway line to Portbury docks on the afternoon of this Saturday, 25 September. The trip, organised by Modern Railways magazine and train operator First Great Western, will see the Portbury branch host one of FGW (First Great Western)^s InterCity 125 high speed trains, normally used on the Bristol to London run. The Portbury branch is normally used only by freight trains and there are seldom opportunities for passengers to travel over the line.

The ^Brunelian^ special train will depart from Bristol Temple Meads at 15.17, running down the branch line under the famous Clifton suspension bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and will return to Temple Meads at 16.31. Passengers will not be able to alight at Portbury docks.

A return ticket for travel on the Portbury line is priced at ^10 adult, ^5 child. Tickets will be available for purchase on the train. For access to the station, intending passengers are asked to advise the staff on the ticket barrier at Temple Meads that they are joining the ^Brunelian^.

For more information, call Modern Railways on 01892 861803

And, also from Modern Railways:

Quote
Avonmouth opportunity added to Brunelian walk-up-and-go joining opportunity

There is now the option to take in freight-only track in the Avonmouth area on a cash payment basis on the day on the Brunelian railtour on Saturday 25 September. 14.15 off Bristol Parkway, via Avonmouth to Bristol Temple Meads, then to Portbury and back, detraining at Temple Meads (16.31). Tell barrier staff you are joining the Brunelian, they have been briefed. For Bristol Parkway joiners, the fare is GBP20 (junior GBP10), cash only, Standard Class only. For Bristol Temple Meads joiners (Portbury branch only, departs 15.17, the fare is GBP10 (GBP5 junior).

Darn it to heck, I wish I wasn't potless this weekend! Ho hum.

I've edited the second quote as the original article mistakenly say Saturday 25th October.

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« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2010, 22:19:54 »

Damn it, Im working.
Ill prob have to dispatch it as well if its formed incorrectly.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2010, 22:23:49 »

In that case, bignosemac and I will hold you personally responsible for any delays to our service ...  Shocked Roll Eyes Grin
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« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2010, 23:04:37 »

Would have been interested, shame I'm busy. Plus ^20, somewhat outrageous!
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #14 on: September 23, 2010, 23:17:19 »

Join us at Bristol Parkway, at 14:00 - we'll negotiate a GroupSave!  Grin
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William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
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