Whilst the usual rail strikes were happening today, LMS Jubilee no 45690 Leander avoided the rail chaos by hauling the Cotswold Venturer from London to Gloucester and back. Originally it was meant to go to Worcester however due to the rail strike, it meant the tour had to terminate at Gloucester. It provided a great opportunity to get the single chimney Jubilee up Sapperton Bank in broad daylight in both directions. The weather was pretty mixed with sun, clouds, occasional heavy rain, and even some thunder but luckily not when Leander was up Sapperton Bank. I've been impressed with Leander on various tours, however, her performances up Sapperton Bank were something to behold and certainly one run that I'll remember for a very long time.

My outward shot took me to Coates Foot Crossing by the Tunnel House Inn which has subsequently closed. The engine was bang on time and even though the clouds came over as the engine came into view, she put on an exceptional performance up Sapperton Bank. She sounded superb with her bark sounding distinctive and brilliant as she was on the climb towards Sapperton Tunnel. Apparently, she went into Sapperton Tunnel close to 55mph which is some performance for a Jubilee up this stretch of line.

My return leg took me to the public foot crossing at Frampton Mansell for the real highlight of the day. Whilst waiting for Leander, the weather went from beautiful sun into heavy showers and some thunder into the mix. However, the rain disappeared and the sun came out again. However, there was a twist to Leander's climb up Sapperton Bank. She was held at Stroud for around 5 minutes due to the police dealing with a minor incident nearby. However, she got the road just in time as the sun came out through the clouds. Despite running 20 minutes late she sounded absolutely incredible. Despite being held at Stroud, Leander's distinctively loud bark from her single chimney completely deafened the Golden Valley and she was in her stride impeccably. The nearby locals were also astonished by her presence and pulling power as Leander roared and deafened Sapperton Bank. Her performance was so incredible, that despite being held at Stroud she went into Sapperton Tunnel at 30mph, which is in my opinion one of the best performances by any steam engine up Sapperton Bank that I've had the privilege of seeing.

An incredible day, helped by the incredible performance of 45690 Leander, helped by the amazing footplate crew that worked her, and also helped by Railway Touring Company who made the tour possible despite the rail strikes. Massive praise must go to the men and women of all organisations that made this special day possible.

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