34046 'Braunton' | The Christmas Golden Arrow - Bearsted, Lenham & Redhill - Sat 16th December 2023

#steam #train #saphostrains
Saturday 16th December would see the final run for 2023 of Saphos Trains semi-regular 'Golden Arrow'. The format for 2023 was a diesel or electric hauled tour picking up from various points across the south of England as far as West London, where a steam locomotive from the Locomotive Services London pool would take over for a run through Kent to Canterbury West, returning later to West London where diesel or electric would return passengers home. For the final tour of 2023 the tour started in Gloucester, picking up at Stonehouse, Stroud, Kemble, Swindon, Didcot, Tilehurst, Reading and Maidenhead before heading to Hanwell Bridge Loop where diesel would swap for steam. In charge was WC no.34046 'Braunton', running with full 'Golden Arrow' regalia. The route would see the tour run via Clapham Junction, Swanley and Maidstone to Canterbury West, returning via Dover, Ashford, Tonbridge and Redhill.
We start at Bearsted, and the country end of the London bound platform for the final final part of the climb of Bearsted bank, 1 in 60 at its steepest its 1 in 264 just before the station. Two cameras see 'Braunton' working hard through the station in front of a large crowd, mostly waiting for the hourly service to London which was due some two minutes later. The 25 minute water stop in the DPL just before Lenham station gave ample time to drive the 15 minute journey along the A20 and get ahead for a second shot. We see 'Braunton' taking water in the DPL, and then with much exchange of whistles get overtaken by the London Victoria-Gillingham-London Victoria Belmond British Pullman hauled by Class 67's no.67021 and 67024. Then we see 'Braunton' leave the DPL and pass through the station on the final leg towards Canterbury West.
For the return its Redhill, and the footbridge just north of the station. We see 'Braunton' appear from the Tonbridge line on the left, and open up through the station on the main line and start the 1 in 264 climb up to Merstham tunnel. A very nice way to finish my main line steam filming for 2023.
Photos... www.flickr.com/photos/alts198...

[@Hard-Boiled-Bollock]

The driver of the 67 👌

[@alts1985]

Yes indeed was very good! Thanks for the comment Ashley

[@christucker8613]

As a kid and teenager, the Golden Arrows passed my house every day when I lived just outside Folkestone.

[@alts1985]

That must of been good! Thanks for the comment. Ashley

[@paleriksson3345]

Very nice clips and I especially enjoy that you kept the cam still, not turing round with the trains all the time!

[@alts1985]

Thank you very much! Yes I generally try and keep it simple and let the train do the moving! Thanks for the comment Ashley

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

excellent shots👍 saw them at charing both doing about 70 mph and braunton at minster

[@alts1985]

Thanks mate, will have a look out for your video! Ashley