A Castle To Cardiff - 5043 On 'The Cathedrals Express (22/06/2024):

This Vintage Trains day excursion to Hereford & Cardiff sees 5043 gently passing Hamstead in the northern suburbs of Birmingham. Heading North West via Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury then taking the Welsh Marches route to Hereford before continuing to Cardiff.
Returning via the outward route to Dorridge I chose Olton Station south of Birmingham on the Chiltern Line. Formerley the GWR quadruple track main line to Paddington or Oxford etc.
Having to work around the usual platform end shrubbery which has flourished since my last visit enabled me to make good use of two cameras .
A Class 68 is always worth a shot then finally 47773 aka D1755 hauls the stock back to Tyseley with 5043 'relaxing' on the tailend after what I hope was an enjoyable day for everyone. Thanks again Vintage Trains and all the train crew.
As always, it was nice to catch up with Dan ‪@crunchynutsteamfilms5043‬ at Hamstead in the early stages of him chasing The Earl to Cardiff which I'm sure will be a worthwhile watch.