Home»All Photographs»Mainline Railtours»Shakespeare Express»2026_08_23

The Shakespeare Express on Sunday 23rd August 2026 continued to show steam haulage although I expected the train would be diesel hauled due to the extreme hot, dry weather conditions. I was delayed due to HS2 road works on the M42 and headed to Wilmcote to ensure I did not miss the train that could have travelled on either route. On arrival at Wilmcote I was informed that the Shakespeare was still at Moor Street, reason unknown! It transpired that the central door locking on the service train ahead had failed and the only access for passengers to and from the train was through the guard’s compartment! Could David Smith use this as a reason for not fitting CDL to his coaches? Almost an hour late, The Shakespeare Express passed hauled by 37 240. The trauma was not over. I expected a short lay-over in Stratford to regain some of the lost time. I waited for over an hour at a location between Bearley Junction and Claverdon before abandoning hope of seeing the train. Just as I walked to my car the sound of a heavy diesel told me the return was now even later. I thought lunch and then the next shot at The Lakes would be easy. Time had been regained and the train must have passed before I reached the viewpoint. No steam and only two trains must rank as my worst day for a very long time if not forever!