Stuart Warr
Right Time, Right Place
There has been much anticipation and speculation this year abut the 'Britannic Explorer' luxury touring train operated by Belmond, it is due to start commercial operations next month (July), but this month a 'dry run' was scheduled, a wise decision in my opinion. This leg of the 'dry run' was 5Z12, the 08.26 Haverfordwest to Pwllheli via the Welsh Marches line, running on 10 June 2025. My view shows GBRF's 57310 'UK Railtours' passing through Pyle on the climb to the summit at Stormy, some two miles further on. Behind the Class 57 were eleven coaches, not the ones to be used for the tours, they are being prepared as I write this caption.
As to the title, I was almost bowled by an IET, I first saw the headlight of 57310 about a mile away, several seconds later I heard the IET behind me, the two trains crossed in the station where a number of enthusiasts were gathered to watch (and photograph?) the 'special'. I had considered getting my shot from there, I am now a little bit smug that I chose differently!
Right Time, Right Place
There has been much anticipation and speculation this year abut the 'Britannic Explorer' luxury touring train operated by Belmond, it is due to start commercial operations next month (July), but this month a 'dry run' was scheduled, a wise decision in my opinion. This leg of the 'dry run' was 5Z12, the 08.26 Haverfordwest to Pwllheli via the Welsh Marches line, running on 10 June 2025. My view shows GBRF's 57310 'UK Railtours' passing through Pyle on the climb to the summit at Stormy, some two miles further on. Behind the Class 57 were eleven coaches, not the ones to be used for the tours, they are being prepared as I write this caption.
As to the title, I was almost bowled by an IET, I first saw the headlight of 57310 about a mile away, several seconds later I heard the IET behind me, the two trains crossed in the station where a number of enthusiasts were gathered to watch (and photograph?) the 'special'. I had considered getting my shot from there, I am now a little bit smug that I chose differently!