Visit to Didcot
For the first time in many years the MC&NW branch of the RCTS ventured down to the Railway Mecca of Didcot. After arriving in Birmingham New Street the group travelled on a very busy Cross Country train to Banbury and connected there to join a service to Didcot. It was unfortunate that the Railway Centre was closed but we did know that before the visit was planned.
On arrival at Didcot we were greeted with a group of 66s either passing through or shunting up and down the freight yard. Things quietened down and a string of GWR 800s kept us entertained, with the regular 387 EMUs going between Didcot and Paddington. Freight was in short supply after the initial burst but we did have the excitement of seeing 455814 and 455822 being towed by 66788 on their way to Newport to be scrapped.
The weather played ball and, although warm, was not too hot as there was a good covering of cloud. The trip back to Birmingham was even more crowded than the inbound service which made the journey not very pleasant but an enjoyable day was had by all.
Click the link below to see a list of locomotives observed....
