Home»All Photographs»Mainline Railtours»Capital Express»2023_11_25

On Saturday 25th November 2023, Chester was the focal point for main-line steam excursions. “The Capital Christmas Express” was a Railway Touring Company promoted train from Chester to London Paddington, steam hauled on the outward journey only by 46115 SCOTS GUARDSMAN. The other train was a return excursion between Bristol and Chester using the Welsh Marches route and hauled by a black five 4-6-0. My plan to photograph both trains was critically dependent on them both running to time. Before I left home, bound for somewhere between Dorridge and Lapworth, I knew that the Capital Express was about 12 minutes late and my journey was delayed by heavy traffic on the M42 and M6. I chose Chessetts Wood as a suitable location and the train eventually passed seventeen minutes late but running extremely well in bright sunlight. Could I get to Gobowen and then Ruabon to photograph the black five on “The Christmas Cheshireman” in time. I decided it was not worth the risk and chose to return home via the Great Central where the first Santa trains were running.