Clan Line Belmond British Pullman Saturday March 21

Not a Tornado fan then presumably ?

 

Goes about its business a little too efficiently for my tastes.

 

Absolutely agree Al, more so with the "whats needed on the mainline" quote. To even give a hint of suggesting that mainline work is not serious work is rather baffling, especually when £'s are a major factor to the charter TOC's.

Well I suggest you have a serious look at yourself and think about this/your hobby and try and think of the implications that failures can have without sounding too obvious. Having been involved with a couple of mainline failures for one reason and another, its not a pleasent experience and it certainly tests your mentality. The biggest thing for me was the sheer disappointment I fealt for the passengers who suddenly had to up sticks and try to get home from many miles away. Then you move onto thinking on how the engine and you are going to get back and when that will be, depending how many miles your also away from base. Things aren't always that easy sat behind a PC screen or standing on a platform or somewhere taking a piece of video.

Also, from a working perspective, it's a dam site easier when the engine/s are working with you rather than against you especially when it's a long tour and you've been awake since silly o'clock.

 

And I suggest you get off your high horse and stop lecturing me for posting what was clearly stated as a personal choice.

 

Well speaking for myself, it looks like a steam locomotive, sounds like a steam locomotive and performs extremely well, so what's not to like. Why on earth would you prefer something not so efficient ?

That said, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but as is coming through on the "diesels on the back" thread, many do need to come to terms with the state of things on the modern railway. Accepting diesel assistance is increasingly becoming something which won't be a choice, so maybe provision of a powerful, albeit considered by some, "boring" locomotive on it's own, which may negate the need for a diesel should really be welcomed.

 

From a personal viewpoint, I find that is not the case. Sure it does perform very well (as well it should), it is for the most part one of the more reliable locos around (as well it should be) and commercially and operationally it makes the best sense to have it running on one of the more prestigious and financially viable operations, (and lets be honest, while its still blackballed by WCR, Tornado was looking like a financial basket case without this lifeline)

However, to my eyes and ears (and I have seen it a lot) it lacks the same excitement as some of the older locos, and I can only assume its because it is just too damn good at what it does.

You will find me remarkably consistent on this forum, that I accept the need for diesels on the back when operationally required. And I fully expect to find a diesel on the back of the British Pullman with Tornado at the helm under the same circumstances when Clan Line is the motive power.

 

All very reasonable and sensible comments, which I fully understand. Not seen as much from the lineside so am probably judging Tornado more on what it feels like to be on a train she is pulling. What you say about where Tornado's financial situation might have ended up had it not been for the British Pullman work is spot on, though has probably ensured the issue with WCR won't be resolved any time soon.

 

Possibly taking the pressure off and the passage of time will enable some sensible solutions to be found.

 

Then why use it?

 

There's a very brief glimpse of Clan Line and, I think, Tangmere in this BBC1 Inside Out (London) report screened last night. The main story is about the return of the Brighton Belle and rescue of the Pullman carriages but thought it was posting the link here for that glimpse! Starts 20:18 in:

Inside Out London

 

Corrected that for you.

 

Try riding behind her. I have and she can produce excitement when needed. Upton Scudamore with 13 on springs to mind.

 

Everyone should take a look at Mark Walkers set of 4 films on youtube as Tornado takes 12 over Slochd, mile after mile of 1in60. Probably the same occasion ?
A bit of thread drift I know

 

Good point, I've removed it,

 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion granted, but if you are stating that it was then maybe you should have explained it and wrote it in a clear and different manner. A nice, mature reply too btw but you carry on with your video's and I'll carry on putting the hours in for you to do your filming!

 

In that case, I would appreciate a lot more work with the whistle please, and a darker exhaust looks better against the sky. And turn that ruddy high intensity headlight off, it plays havoc with the autofocus.

 

I've often wondered why mrKnowwun dosen't just use infinity focus.

 

I fully endorse this suggestion