The Great Britain VIII

This is a very good point. At the moment however, there is no certainty that a course case will happen and so there is nothing to prejudice. If it does go to court, then we will all have to be very careful about what we say on forums such as this!

 

see #434

 

Just watched Britannia crawl past Starcross stuck behind a unit and with the box leading. Glad I photographed in my side of the river and didn't make the journey all the way around. Feel sorry for all the enthusiasts who were undoubtably looking forward to a good run over the Devon banks.

Sad times indeed

 

my mistake, so many messages on this thread, it is 5 pages back

 

mmmmm, the problem for me though is Harris's seemingly biased reporting. It started in the previous issue and continues, with the heat turned up, in the latest issue. It's a bit like a referee favouring a particular team in a game of football, or whatever. Fortunately in this case though, Harris isn't the referee and is just another commentator, although one with quite a lot of influence and one that some people will take a lot of notice of and choose to side with. I wouldn't have an issue with his reporting and the concusions he draws if it had been penned when all of this is done and dusted, but whilst the investigations are ongoing and the verdict is still awaited, I feel that he has nailed his colours to the mast somewhat prematurely.

 

Credit where it's due... 70000 made an absolute racket leaving Newton Abbot, the 66 doing next to nothing. Would it have been shoving like that if it had bad coal? Valves were lifting when it approached too.

James

 

Anyone know if diesel is still on? cheers

 

Yes the 66 is still on the front.

James

 

Doesn't look at though the coal was as bad as reported if safety valves lifting at NA. I guess then when there were problems, those in authority insisted on the diesel at the front not only to Exeter but on to Bristol and that to change the plan would have been poo-poo'd even with Britannia restored to full health. My brother is at Taunton and will be gutted I suspect.

 

Hold your breath and shoot me down at your peril. Courtesy of a man in the know, I am told that the NR meeting today has concluded that WCR will remain suspended and so where that leaves the rest of the GB8 heaven only knows. Watch this space! PS Clearly 46115 in the Carnforth yard in steam was an unnecessary distraction!

 

Chances are it was topped up with bad coal, eventually it gets burned, exposing the better coal underneath !

 

I'm sorry, but wouldn't you think at this stage, someone would have made sure the coal was good quality

This really is turning out to be a Friday afternoon job!

 

Well, you do have to burn it to find out !

 

but we were told the TA suspension was until May 15th - i assume the meeting today was a 'progress' scenario ?

 

Should modify the loco to higher superheat for the coal available today.

 

Your sources were spot-on yesterday, but I rather hope they're not today...

Once again, we may get a hint of what's to happen from Grosmont. Are either of Riley's Fives in steam?

 

But they are on DBS books so may not be affected by the suspension remaining in force.

 

There must the some clues in its appearance. What's being done to address the suppliers of poor coal, or is it the same old story that we have to make allowances when it comes to main line steam not delivering ?

 

But wasn't Plan B for DRS to run the rest of the tour? DBS's involvement ends at Carnforth tomorrow, doesn't it?

 

Indeed, provided DBS have enough crews available at short notice who know the roads. However, given the difficulties DBS have had resourcing any of the other steam tours since 3rd April, I wouldn't put money on them being able to work GB8 with steam. Given earlier comments about DBS's involvement with GB8 days 3 & 4, I don't think I'd give odds on them working it further even with diesels. But I have no inside sources whispering in my ear (nor my inbox) today...