Cotswold Venturer 26/09

Well looked after by the people that were responsible for it, if I remember correctly the cut-off indicator was painted so as to assist crews in working the machine at optimum settings, the improved exhaust system was an extra bonus. City of Wells was, and remains, highly regarded. It was very dependable, well regarded by traction inspectors and did not make failing into an art form.

 

Now that is what I'm talking about.

 

I am a supporter and do both; linesiding and travelling. We should not forget that she has put up some fantastic performances and also shown the ease with which she can handle a big train eg December 2014 to Salisbury and the recent WSE, with Pete Roberts showing just how it should be done. Maybe she should now come off the main line for a full overhaul but I suspect with the current shortage of class 7 and 8 engines she will carry on for a while. Bulleid pacifics in their original form are difficult to maintain and drive which of course is why they were rebuilt but in my view their performance level is above that of the rebuilt engines when they are looked after properly. I believe I have enough evidence from the real days of steam to support this view.

Don

 

In the 80s the operational notices for 34092 said class 7 but regard as 8.
The capability of an original light pacific in good order is beyond question - goodness knows what a MN in original form would be like. Hopefully we get to see Wells back in action in the fells soon to redress the balance.
Probably the readiness of 35018 and later 34016 will have the biggest impact on how 34067 performs.

 

Yes, my memories are of Wells over the S&C, that's my yardstick for WC performance and reliability, so I'm somewhat perplexed by Tangmere's woes, going right back to dropping her inside motion near Rugby some while back.

 

Hopefully rtc will be sensible enough to not let Tangmere out w/o a box because Christmas season is coming up and she has 7 tours. I know that I would not be as vocal if she was operating more smoothly.

Sad really when a sister locomotive is out performing fantastically on tourist lines comparing her with her mainline counterpart.

 

Tourist lines are 25 mph, not 10 coaches, 70 mph, fast acceleration required, main lines. I'm sure Tangmere would perform fantastically on a preserved line.

 

My little effort at Swindon, from this small clip I see or hear nothing wrong

 

Well said that man!!


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