12th October 1996

Pathfinder Tours
Bert Hooker Memorial (train 2)

Route : 1Z71 throughout

Notes :
(1) 33046 & 33202 were deputising for 34027 'Taw Valley' which had been failed the night before the tour.
(2) Was booked to run the reverse of the outward route (except reversing at Swindon, not Didcot) but as the line between Swindon & Gloucester was closed overnight the train was re-routed.
(3) Two trains ran this day, both with the same name. Train 1 was organised by L.S.W.R.
(4) It was originally suggested that all three locos were at the head of the train however at least one contributor believes this was not the case and it was the 33's only. Guy Vincent confirms all three locos were on the train from Weymouth to Yeovil Pen Mill. The tour was further delayed at Maiden Newton waiting for the 1633 Bristol TM to Weymouth to cross us.
(5) Mike Harris comments: I had chosen to go on this train in the hope of reaching Weymouth behind steam – but it was not to be! The train had originally been planned for 11^th May, and had been re-arranged because Taw Valley was unavailable at that time; but this time it failed too late to permit any further re-arranging. It had been intended that both this train, and the LSW one from London, would have double-headed Bulleids out of Weymouth – this train was to go first, and the locos were then to run back light to Weymouth to haul the LSW tour double headed back to Clapham Junction. Clan Line had problems hauling the LSW train (running tender first) from Yeovil to Weymouth, so that departure of this train was an hour and three quarters late. Because of the severe delay and since the Swindon to Gloucester line was to be closed overnight, this tour was unable to take the booked route Yeovil - Chippenham - Swindon (reverse) - Stroud - Cheltenham, but was diverted at Bradford Junction via Bath - Feeder Bridge Jn - Dr Day's Jn - Bristol Parkway - Cheltenham and so back on its booked route to Crewe.
(6) Guy Vincent states that this leg of the tour was worked from Yeovil Pen Mill by 47532, rather than the originally uploaded 47627.

Sources : Mike Harris (on the tour throughout), Guy Vincent (on the tour from/to Yeovil Pen Mill),
Chris Harley & Gordon Jakes

Photo Review
(all photos: Gordon Jakes)

35028 plus support coach backs on to the train at Didcot Parkway.

The class 33's coming on to the train at Yeovil Pen Mill.

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Mike Harries & Gordon Jakes)

Timings Comments:
(1) Departure from Crewe was reported as being due to the driver being in the wrong position.
(2) The delay at Birmingham New Street in the outward direction was due to awaiting a Guard.
(3) The use of Ashchurch Loop and the delay encountered there was awaiting a Pilotman for the Standish Jn to Swindon line for which the driver did not have route knowledge.
(4) The stop at Kemble was due to awaiting access to the single line.
(5) The delay at Maiden Newton on the return leg was due to awaiting access to the single line.

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