Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat
    Troy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Last Online
    Today @ 10:50 AM
    Location
    In the EU
    Posts
    12,202

    GWSR Steam Railway

    I visited my Dad in Cheltenham over the week-end and we went for a trip on the steam railway. A good friend happens to be a retired volunteer on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway. I was trying to recall the last time I went on a steam train, a very long time ago. I remember going to Kings Cross to see the Flying Scotsman but can't think of when I last travelled on a scheduled service by steam.

    Anyway, this is quite a nice little line from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway with several stops in between. It's about an hour's trip along a 15 mile stretch of line that includes a tunnel and a viaduct. Here's a link for anyone interested and a map of the line.

    Heritage Railway | Gloucestershire Railway | Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

    GWSR Steam Railway-updatedgwsrmap2018-jpg

    The plan was to take the train from Cheltenham to Broadway and then back to Toddington for a spot of lunch before catching the next train back. There's a car park at the station and it's not too far to the platform.

    GWSR Steam Railway-gwsr-jpg

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat
    Troy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Last Online
    Today @ 10:50 AM
    Location
    In the EU
    Posts
    12,202
    The steam locomotive on the brochure is being serviced at the moment but there are a several that run along the line as well as a Diesel and I think the 1960s DMU also runs on but can't be sure.

    All the staff are volunteers and the station is very well kept. At the moment only one platform is in use and the locomotive has to be decoupled and sent down the line and back to switch ends, pulling forwards one way and in reverse on the return journey.

    GWSR Steam Railway-waiting_for_a_train-jpg

    GWSR Steam Railway-engine_1_reverse-jpg

    The train pulls eight carriages that include first class and a buffet car. These carriages I do remember, they were used through to the 1980's on some lines...

    GWSR Steam Railway-carriage_inside-jpg

    Lovely big seats in the compartment, very comfy and brought back many memories of past trips, old films, and commuter books. The train trundles along at 25-30 mph, compartment lights are switched on through the tunnel, and tickets are punched just as it used to be.

    The weather was lovely and the sky very clear to the Malverns and beyond. I didn't take any photos from inside the carriage though, too busy chatting and enjoying the company.

    There was plenty of time to jump out and take a picture at Broadway station while the train was being re-coupled.

    GWSR Steam Railway-broadway_station-jpg

    ...and then it was back to Toddington.

    GWSR Steam Railway-toddington_platform_1-jpg


    It is just a short walk to the Flag and Whistle Cafe for a bite to eat. If you fancy a bigger meal and a beer then there is a pub a little further up the road. However, Dad and friend are no longer into large meals and alcohol. Things are just a little slower at their age and a baked potato and some soup was ample sufficient.

    We had just over an hour to eat and look around before the next train.

    GWSR Steam Railway-vintage_trucks-jpg

    A couple of vintage trucks and an AA box are waiting for the next open event.

    GWSR Steam Railway-engine_2_toddington-jpg

    Another lovely locomotive, this time pulling cream carriages. There was no Clarence or Annie but there was Mary to take us home...

    GWSR Steam Railway-carriage_mary-jpg


    All in all, a very nice day.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    malmomike77's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2021
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    13,629
    Gods Wonderful Railway - nice

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat DrWilly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    11,287
    Very nice.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat
    taxexile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    19,294


    a scammel scarab, the nostalgia hits heavy when i see that. brings back journeys i made as a kid with my folks on the train down to kings x. these fascinating looking vehicles would glide down the platform and offload their cargo onto the goods carriages at the back of the train.


  6. #6
    Isle of discombobulation Joe 90's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Mai Arse
    Posts
    12,261
    Nice one Troy.

    Never seen one of those old Automobile Associations boxes before, I presume they are similar to the Doctor Who tardis police boxes but for mechanics..

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat
    Troy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Last Online
    Today @ 10:50 AM
    Location
    In the EU
    Posts
    12,202
    ^ A bit smaller than the tardis. Originally, they were for the patrolman, but later became emergency telephone boxes. I remember both the AA and RAC boxes but never used one. When my dad broke down, he just flagged down the next car coming down the road.

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat
    Lantern's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Last Online
    Today @ 08:50 AM
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,157
    Used to go to school in carriages like those.

  9. #9
    Custom Title Changer
    Topper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 10:01 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,102
    Wow, very nice Troy, thanks for the thread!

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •