Great Western Coffee Shop

As all the windows open heard a couple of unusual trains

11:25  freight train very different sound to Class 59/66 possibly Class 70 it sounded like a Liner Train but as the leaves obscure my view I'm not sure could even have been a 37?

11:35 sounded distinctly like a steam loco seemed to be chopping them off at 3 beats to the bar so possibly Tornado? 

Any thoughts or was I dreaming?

I often have transport-related dreams. Only last night, I had one that involved trains, motorbikes, dogs, hotels, political meetings, and was set in a seaside town...

My advice is to avoid eating party food (particularly doughnuts) before you go to bed.

That is weird (nothing personal Bobm) as I thought I heard a steam train pass near us (Thatcham) late last night

What have I done?   :)

Nothing Bobm...I just didn't want you to think I was referring to you as weird :)

Does bobm have a reputation for being weird that required such clarification?  ;D

I'm sure Bobm is a very sane and well balanced individual I was trying to rule out any ambiguity as a result of my wording :)

According to UK steam.info, there's a steam ban in the GW zone at the moment, due to fire risk ?
Perhaps it was something to do with Roswell anniversary  ;)

When I came through Southall I noticed a blue steam loco parked up there - I believe it was a class 9F but we were going through quite quickly :)

Why was bobm even mentioned in the third post on this thread ???

It was eightf48544 who started the thread and was to whom I assume you were replying, BB.

In which case...oh double sorry Bobm...I was trying to read the forum whilst working...not a good combination :)

Very few blue steam locos out there. Lighter blue ones would include Mallard and Bittern (LNER Garter Blue) and they are both in York at the moment. Darker blue (Express Passenger Blue) and it could possibly have been GWR 'King' Class, 6023 King Edward II.

None of the preserved 9Fs currently have a blue coat as far as I'm aware.

Tornado is currently in blue.
And I don't believe that King Edward II is main line certified yet.

That's ok then - thought I was going wierd for a moment.  ;D

As for the steam ban mentioned in this thread, see here  http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12614.0 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=12614.0)

I think I was getting my A1s and my 9Fs mixed up...I reckon it may be tornado

http://www.a1steam.com/ (http://www.a1steam.com/)

Probably was. That's where she's based at the moment, according to The A1 Trust website.

And running today from Waterloo to Swanage hauling The Cathedrals Express. Departed 0945 and currently (1401) just passing Poole... on time.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54900/2013/07/09/advanced

I must admit that when it comes to OO gauge models I'm not a fan of the blue livery (as per Tornado) but I must say from what I saw she looked stunning this morning.

Apparently not as according to Steam Dreams they were told at 16:45 last night that this train will be diesel hauled.

This is because of line side fires caused by to arcing and grinding, I assume this is from the 3rd rail.