https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153 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! en-us (C) DAVID ARMITAGE darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:16:45 GMT Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:25:33 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1760703852-10.jpg https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153 120 67 https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e68F2356C

]]>Running nearly an hour late, English Electric Type 3 Co-Co diesel electric Class 37 240 powered through the classic location at Wilmcote Station with “The Shakespeare Express” on Sunday 23rd August 2026.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 01DC_NikonDf_AF-NikkorD50mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e68F2356C Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:50 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6CD75CF0

]]>I moved to the public footpath crossing between Bearley Junction and Claverdon to see modern 2-car DMU 168 326 climbing away with a local train from Stratford-upon-Avon to Warwick and Leamington Spa.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 02DC_Canon6D_EF85mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6CD75CF0 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:49 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6945EB1B

]]>Chiltern Rail 2L44, the 12:36 from Stratford-upon-Avon to Leamington Spa, had been delayed on Sunday 23rd August by a diesel railcar CDL issue. Unit 168 326 was working hard to make up time.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 03DC_Canon6D_EF85mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6945EB1B Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:49 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6827AFC4

]]>Running nearly an hour late, English Electric Type 3 Co-Co diesel electric Class 37 240 powered through the classic location at Wilmcote Station with “The Shakespeare Express” on Sunday 23rd August 2026.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 51DM_NikonDf_AF-NikkorD50mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6827AFC4 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:42 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6F3D49FB

]]>I moved to the public footpath crossing between Bearley Junction and Claverdon to see modern 2-car DMU 168 326 climbing away with a local train from Stratford-upon-Avon to Warwick and Leamington Spa.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 52DM_Canon6D_EF85mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e6F3D49FB Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:41 GMT https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e671B4070

]]>Chiltern Rail 2L44, the 12:36 from Stratford-upon-Avon to Leamington Spa, had been delayed on Sunday 23rd August by a diesel railcar CDL issue. Unit 168 326 was working hard to make up time.

]]> darmit9@gmail.com (DAVID ARMITAGE) ZH23 53DM_Canon6D_EF85mm https://davidarmitage.zenfolio.com/p687207153/e671B4070 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:03:46 GMT