D1015 on Chiltern Champion 9th February 2014

On 9th February 2014 Vintage Trains Limited ran The Chiltern Champion Railtour in two parts with D1015 "Western Champion" and 47773 / D1755 giving assistance when needed. The train originated from Solihull heading south through Banbury, Princes Risborough and into London Marylebone giving part one passengers the chance to visit the capital for a day's shopping. The train then again headed by D1015 picked up passengers for part two which took them to Oxford via Princes Risborough, Aylesbury and onto Claydon where D1015 ran round to take the train through Bicester Town, Islip and join the mainline at Wolvercote Junction and into Oxford. 47773 then hauled the train north up to Banbury where after a 30 minute pause took the train back to the Capital again via the same route as in the morning arriving in Marylebone in the evening where passengers from part one rejoined their train. D1015 then hauled the train back north along the same route returning to Solihull. We capture the train first at Princes Risborough on the outward service then later at Aylesbury station coming off the branch from Princes Risborough. In short lived sunshine the train is next witnessed at Bicester Town stopping at the signal protecting Londor Rd Level Crossing and to get authorisation from the signalman at Oxford to proceed further onward. A short run up the M40 at Banbury we see the train now hauled by 47773 arrive and later depart south en route back to London Marylebone. At Princes Risborough the magnificent listed lever framed signalbox is in the process of restoration being carried out by the dedicated staff of the Chinnor Railway who once accomplishing the hard task will bring the box looking back as in it's former glory.

[@cmeonthemove]

Excellent coverage Mark, particularly the departure from Aylesbury (bet that smelt nice!), and I spy myself on the platform at Banbury....

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the kind response. Yes the smell of the diesel hydraulic brought back lovely memories of my holidays down in Cornwall when I was a youngster while the rest of the family were sunbathing I would be at St Erth station watching the Westerns thrash by !!. I will have to have another look to see you at Banbury and thanks for the sub.. Mark

[@allan5919]

Very enjoyable footage of 'The Chiltern Champion' rail tour.
Always a pleasure to see D1015 out and about on the mainline. A very popular tour in seemed going by the crowds out for it.

[@spompey]

Many thanks for the kind feedback. Yes very popular considering the very dodgy weather forecast but some sunshine was to be had. Hope for more of D1015 on the mainline in varied western territory in future. Mark

[@locomotive67]

Hi Mark,very good coverage well done.Dave

[@spompey]

Cheers Dave, First day out with the camera so far this year. A late start. All the best. Mark

[@locomotive67]

Cheers Mark,thanks for reply,good start,...Same to you..Dave

[@locomotive67]

Thanks for reply ..Dave

[@TheWesternExplorer]

Excellent video. Good choice of locations. Cheers, Dave.

[@spompey]

Many thanks Dave, glad you liked the video. Mark

[@JimTLonW6]

I'm amazed that the Bicester Town - Oxford line was opened for this, I thought it was under reconstruction! Hope the train didn't upset the Wolvercote tunnel bats!

[@spompey]

The branch was open for all traffic,as far as I understand this line has been open to traffic for many years. Best regards.... Mark

[@JimTLonW6]

Seems like the scheduled passenger service was suspended from Feb 15th 2014 for the reconstruction work and the construction of the spur between the former GW line and the Oxford-Brackley line. So by the looks of it this was pretty well on the point of traffic ceasing.

[@spompey]

Wylye_guy Looks like I was lucky because I was totally oblivious to this work.... cheers for that......all the best..... Mark

[@JimTLonW6]

Cheers too! I'm sure we shall all be looking forward to the New Improved Oxford - London service when it starts!