The Bristolian - 17th April 2010

To celebrate 175 years of the Great Western Railway, the famous non-stop Bristolian service was re-run for one day only. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is seen passing through Slough on the morning train from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads. I was on board a special First Great Western HST which also made that journey from London Paddington later on. After a short break in Bristol, giving time for a harbour cruise in perfect weather, I boarded the return trip with Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. Sustained high speed running at its maximum permitted 75mph all the way, with assistance from Network Rail who routed the train on to the fast line, resulted in the 117.6miles being covered in 110 minutes, arrival at Paddington was some 45 minutes ahead of schedule. This was close to the times recorded when The Bristolian was a regular service during the 1950's and was steam hauled by 5043 and other Castle locomotives, To enable non-stop running without the normal lengthy water stops, additional water was carried in the front LMS maroon GUV van which was transferred to the tender during travel.
Listen carefully for Arthur's announcements, firstly that 'the only thing we want to see smoking on this train is the engine' and later 'diner's don't panic, we will be arriving into London Paddington at ten to seven but will have time in the platform so you can finish your meal!'
High definition video (720p) with some still shots inserted, all recorrded using an Olympus Tough 8010 digital camera.

[@cricciethcastle5077]

Hugh, thanks so much for posting this. The final shots really brought a lump to my throat. I remember as a kid arriving in Paddington on the Welsh express behind a Castle, and going up to look at the engine (which everyone else took for granted), and seeing the firehole door open, a low dull glow from what was left of the fire, the crew tidying up, and the engine just summering quietly, with the copper chimney band discoloured by the heat, and droplets of oil on the smokebox.

[@Mikemixolydian]

Thanks for a glimpse of the vintage trains interior shots of the train.

[@ScruffyOldMage]

Great video assortment. Thank you. (And she is a beautiful train.)

[@MoiUnMouton]

Thanks for a great video. It was a brilliant event that I saw from the lineside, you have given an excellent insight into the whole day. Terrific stuff.

[@eddgasket]

lol im in this video alot when your recording out the window the first person in the windows is me :)

[@eddgasket]

certainly did enjoy the trip i done both ways :)

[@hughrobertwright]

@eddgasket - excellent, hope you enjoyed your day out