D1015 'Western Champion'

Oh, those poor moles.

Chris H

 

100% agree.
I don't go railtours to be trapped inside.. I commute to work to do that.
I don't go on railtours starting at 7am and ending at 11pm to spend just 90 minutes at a destination. I have a family that does that.
I don't go on railtours to look at scrap wagons in a siding whilst the loco gets watered. I have an office view like that.
And I don't go on railtours for lots of line side photographs... I have a travel card to use at weekends for that.

Conversely I don't hang from the window either..I just like to be standing by it watching the world go past to smell the loco, hear it working hard, get the odd picture and just to be on my feet ( I am sat in an office all week)... That's my fix and I love it.

But in the last 2 years I've discovered sound in oo gauge and in one example, I have my 70013 running to sounds I've recorded on railtours in the past.. As it rattles over the points I close my eyes...

As I said earlier.. Bars over Windows is a good compromise for me.. I don't need to hang out but still get what I want. But as long as it's "please sir can I use the bathroom", "Windows must be closed for your safety" and "fingers on lips and sit on your hand" and if you do get lucky and get a 5 minute glimpse running risk of ejection from the train I'm just not interested.... Ok it's an exaggeration, but that's how it feels... A product I used to love but has lost.

The 0727 to Penzance, I can stand by the window and no one will care.. And it means I see the western 3-4 times that day, and anyway those HSTs haven't got too many lives left before they go too...

Let's see how the ORR is going to heavy hand the diesel mobs that will inevitably converge on the final year of HST ops...its a uniquely British thing I don't know any other country that is doing this.

 

My "home made" sound archive goes back over 40 years with line side and on board recordings on both the main line and heritage lines (some industrial and overseas steam too but that's by the by) and I'm always looking to add new sounds to it. Looks like future on board recordings of main line steam will be a bit thin on the ground unless things change. Overseas tours are becoming ever more attractive.

 

Fantastic !
My collection is about 30 years, and goes to about 100k images, plus recordings.
Not just steam, I have some good diesels, like 37119 on a Railtour climbing miles platting bank in the mid 1980s on a Railtour with 12 unaided ( it was the Victoria banker..the 47 expired at Vic).. The driver was sounding his horn repeatedly on the climb to get the signal man to clear the route as it was reds and yellows....never forgotten it.. 37 fan since.

 

Dragging this topic back out of the depths...

D1015 is booked to work this from Avonmouth to Gloucester New Yard on Friday morning as a loaded test run. Runs light from Kidderminster beforehand, and heads back there afterwards.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H08377/2021-09-17/detailed

 

Thursday, 17th Sept, 2021.

Kidderminster to Avonmouth Hanson Sidings light diesel.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R03376/2021-09-17/detailed

6M42 Avonmouth Hansons Sidings to Penyffordd Cement. Loco detached at Gloucester Yd
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H08377/2021-09-17/detailed

Gloucester Yard to Kidderminster light diesel.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R03377/2021-09-17/detailed

<BJ>

 

Is this for any reason?
Future Charter or Freight working?
Or just a Test run.

 

Presumably in preparation for Pathfinder’s The Champion Torbay Express on September 25th.

 

Add into that (as it is in my head now):

The inbound light loco move ties closely with the 12:50 goods arrival (due to be 813) & the 12:55 departure tomorrow (due to be 9466+1501).

I know that this is the diesel section, but an interesting crossover motive power wise.

Gala timetable (pdf)

 

On its way back this lunchtime through Worcester. Unfortunately it is reported elsewhere that problems were encountered and it will be replaced by 2x50's for next weekends planned comeback run.

 

Confirmation from the DTG on their website:

http://www.westernchampion.co.uk/index.php

Unfortunately D1015 ‘Western Champion’ suffered a seized engine during a mainline test run between Kidderminster and Bristol on Friday 17th September.
Therefore regrettably D1015, will now not be available for the planned Champion Torbay Express railtour on Saturday 25th September.
We are all sorry for the disappointment, and many thanks for your continued support. Further information will be communicated, once the engineering team have been able to carry out their initial investigations.

 

That's a shame to hear. I've not historically been a big fan of Westerns, but they've rather grown on me in recent years, and Champion looks particularly badass in @MikeParkin65 's photo… maybe it's the blue… Fingers crossed its not too severe (but 'seized' sounds pretty bad…).

Simon

 

I've not played with big mainline diesels, but from experience of car engines. If an engine that is running, seizes, then that is most likely down to lubrication (lack of). Possibly caused by overheating. I'd expect new bearings will be required thoroughout, with possible additional damage to pistons and con rods etc. It won't be a cheap fix.

 

Are these engines the Maybach style, with tunnel crankcases and roller bearings to the main bearings? I had a visit to Swindon Works back in the 70's (Adams 488 was in Works at the time) and noticed a block of this type. (A method of construction also used in the Maybach engine of a Panzer VI (Tiger).
Pat

 

Website does mention an overhauled unit had just been fitted, wonder if this is the one that has had the problem.???

 

Almost certainly the same sort as Swindon would have had Maybach MD650 (Class 42), MD655 (Class 52) and MD870 (Class 35). A technical description can be found at https://www.westernlocomotives.co.uk/technical but I'm afraid I can't directly answer your question, sorry

Patrick