20 Year Anniversary – The Taffy Apple mainline charter
On this day 20 years ago…
The Taffy Apple 11th January 1997, 05.30 Northampton – Swansea via Worcester, Hereford and Cardiff
Steam Hauled by 2968 and 7325 (2968 Pilot Loco) Worcester Shrub Hill to Swansea and return
With the snow of the previous weekend now replaced by mist and fog few pictures of this run were recorded. With 2968 piloting SVR stable-mate the two locos set out from Worcester Shrub Hill some 90 minutes late following a diesel failure earlier in the day.
Having lost their path and despite valiant running by the two loco’s which saw a speed of 70mph at one point further time was lost and arrival in Swansea was some 120 minutes behind schedule. A reduced turnaround saw the train depart some 82 minutes late and with determined running the order of the day (or night) arrival back at Shrub Hill had been reduced to 69 minutes