B1 61306 to Stratford-upon-Avon. 22/08/2015

Lovely sight though Tilehurst just before 7:30pm. Although coasting, it was going at a fair old pace with lots of clag & started to blow off as it entered the station.

 

Sounds like a good day

 

Minor point of detail that takes nothing away from the energetic pass-to stop Oxford-Banbury leg of the tour, but might chime with those who have an interest in train timing/ performance recording and also those who contribute to the "RTT and things you may not know or realise" thread. There appears to be a small glitch in the miles and chains data quoted on RTT for this morning's 1Z91.

Referencing the RPS members database, Oxford to Banbury is, in fact, 22m 55c and the difference/ discrepancy is basically the quoted interval between Tackley and Heyford, which should be 2m 50c and not 3m 51c as shown on RTT. Based on the rounded times shown on RTT, Mayflower would indeed have been storming along to cover that distance in the two and one quarter minutes as shown (97 mph before any adjustment for rounding...but in reality an average of 70mph)

This isn't the first time I've noticed that mileage data on RTT has appeared to be questionable......anyone know the source????

As I said, just a point of detail. And I would certainly endorse the line-side assessment that this looked like a really solid run from my own observations in the Cropredy area. Does anyone have any details of the running.....or might we see something in print about this in a future issue of HR, maybe???

 

My footage of Mayflower's faultless run. Locations were Culham and Claverdon. Hope you enjoy.

 

The return run filmed at Wilmcote and Ayhno:

 

Spent some time watching events at Southall.

 

Looked and sounded very good this morning and how reassuring to see a long run like this being nearly complete, right time or better for a lot of the day and with an engine that sounds in top nick.

 

Making easy work of Hatton Bank.

Coasting into Stratford Parkway.

Lastly, at Stratford just before departure on the outward leg. Note the new pink footbridge in the background.

There were a few wheel slips on departure from Stratford, rails must have been a bit damp though due to a downpour about half an hour beforehand. However she clearly made it up the bank no problem. Thanks to all involved today, can't have been much fun for the crew in the heat! 61306 is down for another Cath Ex to Stratford on 18th October, hope to see her again then.

 

See:- http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/about/sources HTH.

 

A variety of sounds at Ruscombe , but no diesel.

 

Nice. So much for those who thought Wilmcote Bank would be a problem for the B1.

 

Well didn't the B1 put on a fantastic show yesterday. With the exception of the pesky mud hole door, its been an exemplary willing and exciting performer all summer, lord knows where we would have been without it. Well done to all involved.

 

And the superheater problem earlier in the season but yes, she's been doing well otherwise.

 

Doug, Many thanks for that

 

Another great run from mayflower yesterday ! Here's my view on the run !

 

My video of Mayflower putting on a fine performance at five locations on Saturday