My sister and I are moderately obsessed with trains. We grew up in High Wycombe when the joint line was still a main line and you could catch the Cambrian Coast Express or direct trains to Birkenhead. I mostly remember when they were diesel hauled to Wolverhampton/Wellington then Steam from there. British Rail ran the line down and singled it north of Prince Risborough. Since the route modernization by Network South East and then the formation of Chiltern Trains the route has been redeveloped, redoubled, had the line limit put back to 100 mph and direct trains to Birmingham restored.
Yesterday we had a day out starting from my Mum's at Princes Risborough and catching the loco hauled blue and grey Mk III set stopping at Wycombe and Wembley. We had a time for a coffee in London then on the Silver Train to Birmingham. It has fully refurbished MkIIIs with plug doors. First stop (via Princes Risborough!) Banbury.
Highlights include 60 through Neasden Junction - previously 25-40, 100 through South Ruslip (previously 25 and a stop) the 60 through the bends at Wycombe.
This is 67025 (and my sister) waiting to leave Marylebone.
We had a coffee in the beautifully restored cafe at Moor Street - the station has been restored as a GWR station.
Then we went to Gas Street Basin had lunch, then over to Cambrian Wharf and down Farmer's Bridge locks before returning to Moor Street for the trip home.
670101 did the honours.
We made it into London with 10 mins to spare to catch 67023 on the Blue and Grey set back to Princes Risborough.
There is a video of it departing Princes Risborough here http://youtu.be/Yl6Ul4-y4Zs
We had advance tickets so the return London to Birmingham only cost £24 between us. It did cost £28 each to do the Princes Risborough to London return though!
Cheers Graham
