If there was one train in the programme for 2010 that I really, really wanted to get out for, it was the one run by Vintage Trains on 29th May as this would include a feature that, ever since steam returned to the route, was something that I have wanted to record. The train in question was running from Tyseley to Didcot via Stourbridge Jc, Cheltenham and Swindon, but the return route was to be via the Lickey Incline. Now while I have made a few recordings on the Lickey, the difference here was that this train was to be banked from Bromsgrove by Tyseley's GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank 9600 and it was a banked train on this gradient that I have been hoping to record.
Despite having the promise of a lift from a very good friend, my hopes that this would be my opportunity seemed doomed to failure when the times revealed that, as I would need to get to and return from my pick up point by train, by the time we had driven back, my last train home would have been long gone. We had both expected that the returning train would have been much earlier and to say I was not best pleased would be a considerable understatement but, after all, these trains are run for their passengers, not for us 'freeloading' lineside observers so I couldn't really complain!
Over the years, believe it or not, I've eventually reached the conclusion that there actually are more important things in life than steam hauled trains! One of the more important aspects is having good friends and this particular friend changed his plans at the last minute and offered to drive me all the way home almost passing his house on the way so everybody, say a big 'thank you' to Mike without whom we would not have this recording to listen to.
The original train engine for this tour, named The Britannia Banker, was 70013 but in the weeks preceding the tour that loco had suffered a problem with a cracked firebox and had to be withdrawn while this was rectified but Tyesley was able to provide an excellent substitute in the form of the LMS Princess Royal Pacific 6201 ‘Princess Elizabeth’, a loco that I had already made a memorable recording of on the Lickey Incline back in February 2006. Unlike on that occasion, this time there would be no chance for a run at the bank as the train was stopping at Bromsgrove for the banker to be attached just as happened in the good old days.
After a long drive we got to Bromsgrove in time to see the Pannier tank arrive light engine from Tyseley and then made our way to Pikes Pool Lane Bridge heading off from there to the top of the hill between there and Burcot Bridge, often referred to as Vigo. At the top of the hill we found a strong breeze, too strong for our windshields so we had to drop down below the crest of the hill where we set up our recorders and awaited events.
Perhaps 10 minutes later than booked we could just hear a Stanier hooter from the direction of Bromsgrove answered by the shriller whistle of the Pannier tank followed by the sound of 6201 starting the train.
Once onto the 1 in 37¾ gradient the sound of Lizzie’s exhaust becomes clearer and louder; the descending DMU must have caused a slight panic among the photographic gallery down towards Pikes Pool Lane Bridge. Once 6201 has passed on this 9 coach train the sound of the banker becomes audible; 9600 was certainly giving a good healthy shove in the rear.
About 7 minutes after the start, the sound of the hard working Pannier Tank faded away towards Blackwell just in time for a descending diesel hauled freight train to pass.
So, was it worth the long drive just for one recording? Well, we both thought so!