7029 Clun Castle brings out the magic to Birmingham with The Polar Express - 03/12/2022

With the last month of 2022 underway and the start of the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas, Vintage Trains made their now annual Polar Express a formality giving the popularity of the trips last year. The engine in charge of the Polar Express trips throughout December was of course Great Western Castle lass no. 7029 Clun Castle. Last year, they went from Tyseley Loco Works to Birmingham Moor Street, however this year they decided to extend the Polar Express starting of at Birmingham Moor Street heading through Tyseley and Solihull to Dorridgeby diesel, and then Clun Castle would take the train back to Birmingham Moor Street. The trips originally had 4 tours in one day, however, the first weekends saw an extra train service added. Meaning that there were 5 tours in one day. I decided to capture this magical adventure with The Castle around the Birmingham suburbs.
The day had everything today. I decided for my first shot to go to Solihull Station and managed to park in a suitable place in time for the lunchtime service. I arrived in good time and Clun Castle can be seen powering and whistling through Solihull on her first train of the day bound for Birmingham. The next shot was at the far end of Widney Manor Car park to get Clun Castle accelerating away from Dorridge with her second run of the day. However, drama unfolded shortly afterwards, in that my car wouldn't start so had to call the RAC. Happily, they arrived within 15 minutes and they fixed my car in time for the third run of the day, or should I say the first run at night. Clun Castle put in a cracking performance through Widney Manor Station to the happy onlookers as she can be seen powering and whistling beautifully through the station.
I hope you enjoy the video. Feel free to leave a like, comment, and subscribe for more steam action from Full Steam Ahead.

[@robertbate5790]

Great shots and sounds, thanks. Even happier as grew up in Bentley Heath, so this was my play ground!! 👍👍👍👍

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Music to my ears.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Very nice scene from1:15with the wind making some nice effects with the steam

[@bentullett6068]

I have been enjoying seeing and hearing this loco the last few weeks as the line passes by my house. Also get a few steam services during the spring and summer months due to Shakespeare Express and the occasional rail tour as the nearby station Dorridge is used as a watering point for steam services.

[@SimonTog]

Wonderful video, great done and nice sound :)

[@RailJapanStory]

Excellent video😃⤴️⤴️

[@alantoms3263]

A pristine Castle always looks great!
Thanks for sharing.

[@andresdeleon5160]

I love the polar express with any kind of locomotive besides the Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive

[@terrier_productions]

So you like any engine to haul the train but not the original?