Tyseley stalwart 4965 'Rood Ashton Hall' took charge of the 'Oxfordshire Explorer' from Tyseley to Oxford via Kidderminster, Worcester and the North Cotswold Line. The weather was pure sunshine but incredibly chilly and worst of all, the wind was howling meaning winter's coming and the festive season's just getting started. My first location was a foot crossing at Fernhill Heath between Worcester and Droitwich. I had to walk through thick mud to get to the crossing, but by determination I managed to arrive in plenty of time. The engine came through on time and even the driver giving me a nice friendly whistle as she roars past towards her water stop at Worcester. My final location took us to Mickleton Road at Honeybourne giving us a clear view of the North Cotswold Line at the start of the 1 in 100 climb up to Campden Tunnel. The location was situated just by the former GWR line from Cheltenham to Stratford Upon Avon which closed falling to the Beeching axe in the 60s. But happily with the help of funding, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway are planning to extend along the line to Honeybourne in the near future which will lead to a railway connection with the GWSR. The Hall is seen galloping along on time and powering her way up the 1 in 100 climb up towards Campden Tunnel a few miles away. Another 5 star performance, from loco & crew. Hope you enjoy the video.

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