Borders Railway Steam Services - Autumn 2015

Crackin shot Jonny

 

Seconded.

Cheers,

Alan

 

Is there a run on Wed 16th? There's a path in RTT for that date but nil on uksteam or ScotRail web site or Steam Dreams.

 

There is indeed a run tomorrow, but it's a private charter jointly hired by the 'Campaingers For Borders Rail' and the 'Waverley Heritage Route Accociation'.

 

Sounds like much deserved trip.

Hope they get a lot more than just coffee served on their crisp white table cloths.

 

A very pleasing photo. Many thanks.

 

Well I can say I've done the track now. Not sure I'd bother again though! I was expecting it to be a bit of trundle, but it's pretty tedious. And the 67 has to do its fair share of work as well, and as standard is at the back on the outward, all you can hear is the yinging thing pushing up some of the gradients.

Nice scenery though!

 

In contrast to 5944's trip, mine was a totally positive experience, apart from a shove out of Waverley the 'ying thing' was on tick over for the complete run to Tweedbank.
The initial announcement from what appeared to be the lady train manager, was, among other things, a common sense safety announcement on leaning out of windows, nothing more.
In our coach (F) next to the diesel, I used video, stood at the sliding opening above the seat, unopposed, as were stills photographers at vestibule ends, but not hanging out, just shot grabbing, a sensible approach I think you'll agree ?
There are one or two tight clearances in a couple of spots, but you are made aware of them as the train slows to a crawl.
Now for the 'Borders Railway Experience', bearing in mind, a cloudless sky, temperature low 20's C, no wind and, it's the last day of September 2015, a sparkling A4 in BR livery on the front, clean matching set of Mk 1's, 'Whats not to like' ?. The line itself is obviously sanitized of virtually everything pre '69' but the route, OH, The Route, is STUNNING, its sinuous, steep, a photographers dream, from both on and off the train, slow unobstructed sweeping curves, where you an see the loco from the back of a 10 coach set for a good length of time, especially on 'Falahill' where 60009 put in a strong performance, without taking undue risks with the power obviously available, although a formidable climb, No.9 was handled firmly, the crew now experienced enough with the route to get the best from her, we only hearing faintly the echo of her passing, from the surrounding hills.
I am already savoring my next trip on the 'Waverley' route, be it Winter, Spring, whatever, but, 60103, 2 x B1 or K1 K4 ? Two trip days, endless possibilities, but one thing for sure, I had 'One Hell of a day out'.
With thanks to Scotrail, SRPS, John Cameron and No.9's Support crew, Loco crew and anyone else involved.
Andy

 

What's missing from No.9 ?

 

Photo is not absolutely clear but looks like front air hoses are absent?

 

Now that's one I hadn't spotted, you'll see the other if you look down the firemans side !

 

No Springbok !

 

Incorrect Sir, in between the vacuum pipe and coupling. The yellow valve handle is sticking up and if you zoom in you can see the pipes hanging down. If they were missing then the engine wouldn't be on the train as DBS only operate air braked engines.

 

The Springbok has only ever been fitted to the Dirver's side has it not?

 

It is in all my photos of nr .9.

 

All the photos I have taken of 60009 (2003 to present) have the Springbok on the drivers side only.

 

I did say couldn't be absolutely clear from the photo so I'll thank you for your better screen and putting me right so emphatically. And wasn't making an accusation of impropriety either, by the way. I didn't suggest 60009 was missing air brake system. Had the pipes not been on the front, the loco could still have been fitted with air train braking on the tender?

 

Apologies gentlemen, this was pointed out to me at Waverley, I was under the misconception that it was carried both sides, the reason it was 'missing' was given to me being due to the rugby world cup !
He must have been a 'Lying Scotsman' (sorry couldn't resist) I'm sure he must have been under the same misconception.

 

Was it Alex Salmond?

 

Just to confirm things emphatically again, my apologies. The pipes have to be on the front of the engine also (here's the official line from some one who definitely knows) in case the loco has to be rescued by a fellow air braked engine.