Welcome to the Rudloe and environs website.
Here you will find news, articles and photos of an area that straddles the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in north-west Wiltshire.
Contributions in the form of articles or photos are welcome. Even those with completely contrary views to mine!
Thanks to the website builder 1&1 and Rob Brown for the original idea.
Rudloescene now, in January 2014, has a sister, academic rather than anarchic, website about Box history here: http://www.boxpeopleandplaces.co.uk/
It contains thoroughly professional, well-researched articles about Box and its people.
Contact rudloescene through the 'Contact' page.
Bathampton Junction on 15th April 2023 and lovebirds (see one of four title pictures above) await Bulleid West Country Pacific no. 34046 Braunton at the head of Saphos Trains Classic Steam express from Rugby to Bath and Bristol.
The gallery above illustrates the absolute folly of the privatisation of British infrastructure. While waiting for our steam engine, two freight trains passed in the charge of Freightliner locomotives. There are three major, general freight operators in Britain: GB Railfreight which is owned by global investment company Infracapital, Freightliner owned by American company Genesee & Wyoming and DB Cargo UK which is German (Deutsche Bahn which even operates our royal train). As with utility companies for example, foreign entities are predominant in the infrastructure of the UK and, naturally, profits end up abroad. No apologies for my stuck record but apart from the folly mentioned above, this situation also makes a mockery of the Brexit mantra 'Taking Back Control'.
Our engine, West Country Pacific no. 34046, comes into view hauling its 'special' from Rugby. Climbing out of the Limpley Stoke Valley, she (Braunton) appeared to be struggling a little maybe due to the considerable load.
Approaching Bathampton Junction with Bathford Hill in the background
Not just the sight, sound and smell - steam locomotives are works of art
At Bathampton Crossing now, one of our lovebirds waves as the train passes
Heading off into Bath; Braunton will depart Bath at about 17:30 for the return journey after the passengers have enjoyed their day out
This 112-ton, belt-and-braces lump at the back might be the reason for Braunton's struggle. This is a Brush type 47 diesel.
Bulleid Pacific 4-6-2 no. 34046 Braunton headed a steam special from London Victoria to Bath and Bristol on 24th May 2023. Once again, we used the viewing point of Glasses Cfrossing at Bathampton Junction accompanied by Scotsman Tom, shown in one of the title photos. The other title photos show the George at Bathampton which we passed on our way to lunch at Bathampton Mill (formerly the Keel Club for those of you who rocked in the 60s) and the By Brook where it enters the Avon at Bathford.
Maples in all their spring glory by the Bathford railway bridge
A couple of trainspotters on their way to Glasses Crossing
Before the main event, a type 158 DMU heads off down the Limpley Stoke Valley to Bradford=on=Avon and beyond
And a type 166 DMU heads up the Limpley Stoke Valley into Bath; the next train will be our steam special
Here she comes, Bulleid Pacific no. 34046 Braunton drifts up the Limpley Stoke Valley with the steam special
Not much smoke and steam and no whistle; the Scotsman videoing the train will be disappointed
Braunton passes Glasses Crossing
Another type 166 DMU heads towards Bathampton Junction on the main line.
A post-lunch stroll along the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bathampton
Opening the Bathampton swing bridge for barges heading to Bradford-on-Avon
These are the two barges we'd just opened the bridge for
On the return leg, Braunton passes hawthorns in bloom heading for Bradford-on-Avon and beyond
Bathford in late afternoon
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