The Welshman Sat. 20th June 2015

Tangmere thundering through Pilning. She was running 25 mins late at this point.

 

Understandable I guess when there was a lot of time to make up, and on Upton Scudamore where the diesel on the back made banking essential. But still a lot of diesel assistance after it got back on time I am told. That is often the price of running 19th century technology in the 21st century. And it's also one of the reasons I've not been on a main line steam trip since 9th July 2012. Not even photographed one since then!

I am sure the majority of those who paid to travel had a good day out, and that is what it is all about.

 

A quick shot from me at Upton Scudamore.

 

Yes bruv but you can get great performances with pure steam if you choose carefully

Don

 

Saturday's trip with Tangmere was hampered by watering problems, the water tanker was involved with a minor incident on the motorway en route to Magor it was late arriving also it was only a small tanker as the bigger ones were not available, so we didn't have the full quota of water, and Ray Churchill asked for diesel assistance to eke out the water, and the problem continued with the watering facilities at Cardiff and Magor on the way back, also locos arriving at Cardiff have to go all the way back to Newport to turn, so on this occasion the diesel was necessary, Ray never asks for diesel assistance unless it is absolutely necessary.

 

Many thanks for that Maureen. It's never easy to know all that is going on from the comfort of our armchairs!

 

According to someone on support crew - Road Traffic Accident delayed tanker which affected tour at Magor water stop en-route to Cardiff.
RTA also delayed arrival of coal lorry and water tanker at Canton - hence very late turning move to/from Newport.
Not sure if coal supply had reduced calorific value but 57 used on getting away from most stops (Sigs. and stations) to ensure lateness reduced asap ensuring tour got back into it's path - arrived Poole a minute or so early.
EDIT - apologies for not reading other responses first!