A Tour of Rail Ale, Trackcider and fish & chips. I thought I would end the week of training trackbacks, with a trip on the "Cheltenham Fryer". This tour is organised by the GWR (Glos Warks Railway) it runs from Toddington Station, to Cheltenham Racecourse station. The journey takes in some fantastic Cotswold countryside and even travels through a tunnel. On arrival there was an unexpected bonus, Wadebridge the West country class a Southern Loco, built by Bulleid was on the back of a lorry in the car park.



I had taken along Cllr Martin with me as he enjoys the odd pint now and again of Rail Ale, we even found an SBC, Council officer there and a former council officer who spends his spare time working as a volunteer on the railway. I would like to thank him for his efforts as it is people of is ilk, that volunteer their own time and keep the railway open. Whilst waiting for the "Fryer" I managed a quick video of Foremark Hall a Swindon built Loco: Click Foremark hall to view.Foremark Hall

The "Fryer" tonight was really well organised and everyone has their own table some like Nick and I had our own compartment and sat back and relaxed drinking in the atmosphere. There is table service, again this is provided by volunteers, who were very pleasant and friendly, as the outward journey progressed some Rail Ale and Trackcider, was consumed. With a pleasant taste it is deceiving so be careful if you consume any of the Trackcider, as it is stronger than you think! The Rail Ale is only half as potent.

Cheers!!!


The train was hauled by "Black Prince" a sister to the Evening Star the last Steam Loco built for B.R. at Swindon Works. Black Prince is a 2-10-0 9F and was built at Crewe in 1960, B.R. sold it to David Sheppard the wildlife artist in 1968, when only 8 years old. David has owned it for the last 40 years. It spends most of its time at the GWR.



The fish & chips were very tasty and served as you wait in the Racecourse Station. The train waits there for an hour so you can look around the station and watch as the Loco runs around; I managed a quick photo of the firebox.



The return back to Toddington rounded off the evening and as people left the train in the darkness broken by the glow from the light of the station lamps it really transported me back over 40 years. Nick also made the same comment and there were many other people making similar comments. Everyone appeared to be happy and cheerful, it is a great way to spend an evening and I can now see why trips are always sold out in advance.