Torbay Express 2015

The TE had one Mrk 1 from the Royal Scot set on today.

 

There were also some refurb MK1s with a plated weight of 35 tons but as they had Commonwealth bogies they actually be 37 tons. One MK 1 left at BTM. Not sure why.

Don

 

I don't think the train was particularly full so the extra coach probably wasn't needed. No point carrying around extra weight if you don't need too.

 

The train was quite full. It appeared to be a support coach and not an FO. The TSO was full

Don

 

I spoke to some of the train crew and that's just what they said. I though it looked full(ish) but I think everyone has a different concept of what they call 'full'.

 

Here’s my video, taken at Whiteball on the outward run and at Stoke Canon on the return.

 

70000 performed faultlessly today. That said the performance lacked any sparkle but we ran on-time all day so can't really ask for more.

Yes the train was pretty full but standard was only one TSO and one RMB. Very different feel to the train than years ago with only a handful of "enthusiasts" on board.

As always thanks to all who made it happen.

 

The coach left behind was the brake, used to bring the stock to Bristol and used as the brake when the stock is diesel hauled as it was from BTM to Crewe on the CFE and for Pathfinder's tour on the 6th June.

 

Bit unfair to say the dsy lacked any sparkle. On the outward, the Brit was doing almost 55 at Flax Bourton Summit; 47 into Whiteball Tunnel, 46 at MP 174; 36 Kingskersweĺl Summit and 24 before being eased for Churston. On the return we went into Greenway Tunnel at 25, holding 23 at the summit. We topped Torre bank at 30, Whiteball Summit at 59 and Flax Bourton at just over 68.

 

Heres my video of an excellent day videoing the first Torbay of the Summer..

 

My pic of 70000 at Litttlemore this morning. Looking and sounding excellent all day! Video up shortly.

 

And what was the rule regarding windows on this tour?

 

Here's my footage of her brilliant performance during the great day for filming. Locations were Mud Lane Crossing near Yatton and Whiteball on the outward leg plus Cockwood Harbour and Yatton on the return leg.

 

Yes indeed there were some very good parts, Whiteball in particular going down as we had only got to 57.8 max after Wellington but went into the tunnel at 46.6. The running Weston to Taunton was a bit restrained but we were on time so nothing more was needed. The down run will feature in my column in the next HR, set against the DOG run on 19th September 2010 with the same enginemen but with one coach more. On balance I think the Brit was better.

Don

 

Just a reminder and nothing more. In order to be the right side for mileposts I stood by a partly open window at the back of the TSO and none of the on train staff I saw made any comment

Don

 

I am pleased that this trip, in comparison to some others, went well. Sunday is not a good day for going to watch trains so I did not see the train on the Paignton line - maybe the next TE.
Regarding the partly open window it seems that good sense prevails and train staff, in this instance, are able to use their brains and apply discretion.

 

Great shots on You Tube from yesterday's TE.

Holy Moses. Ban on window hangers? Of course, but no one told this lot!!

Check out 5.38

 

Wasn't one! Plenty of folk enjoying the seawall as normal!

 

70000 Britannia Littlemoor 14/6/15 by Thomas Guppy, on Flickr

70000 Britannia Langstone 14/6/15 by Thomas Guppy, on Flickr

70000 Britannia Cockwood foot Crossing 14/6/15 by Thomas Guppy, on Flickr

70000 Britannia Cogload Junction 14/6/15 by Thomas Guppy, on Flickr

 

A couple of shots from yesterday's run. Seen at Teignmouth and near Tiverton Parkway.