GWR 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at full speed through Dorridge! | The Shakespeare Express | 26/3/23

For years Vintage Trains' Shakespeare Express has been hauled uniquely by 7029 Clun Castle, but today, after the recent return from overhaul of sister No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, she was given the chance to stretch her legs on the Shakespeare Express circuit this week. I know most of my friends opted to stay home but I was never going to miss my favourite locomotive's first solo Shakespeare run after over 5 years. Although I love 7029 Clun Castle, 5043 seems just something else in terms of its power. A special friend of mine helped me on locations so big thanks to her! We had originally planned to cover the tender first runs but never did due to me messing up my timings after the clocks went forwards (duh!). So I just did the plans for the return run instead, heading first to Dorridge station. 5043 absolutely smashed its way through, near its top speed of 75mph! I left the main camera running on platform 1 and got an extra shot off the bridge, which shook quite furiously when 5043 passed underneath!! After this I returned home and ate some food, before driving out to Bearley for the next shot. It wasn't anything vastly special but I've never done it before so it was well worth a try. After that I returned back home! A big thanks to my dad who accompanied me in the car, as well as to Vintage Trains who are running these Shakespeare Expresses more often this year. Well done to the crew of 5043 for putting in one hell of a show at Dorridge! If you would like to travel on one of these tours (and they're priced quite reasonably given what you get!), follow this link: https://vintagetrains.co.uk/train-rid... Hope you enjoy!! Regards, Dan