The Great Britain IX

Diesels do not always go from tickover into drive. Happened when 71000 was given dispensation to run with a Class 67 inside with 9 over the banks. The Duke stalled the train and the 67 didn't go into drive. Fortunately it did restart second time and the train didn't sit down for too long.

 

Well from a feeling of total hopelessness I was feeling a couple of days ago(totally self destructive!), I have just returned home after 2 and a bit days of seeing some great steam in Devon and Cornwall and this morning in Wales. The Scot performed well with the very minimum of shoving as far as I could ascertain and to see 44871 this morning demolishing Llanvihangel after the news a few days ago was nothing short of miracle work by IR! Here is my video.

 

Glad it all came good for you in the end!

 

Normally I enjoy reading your posts Mr. 1020 Shireman but your latest post has come as a bit of a shock and disappointment.

West Coast must realise that the ORR are watching them like hawks. Similarly the crews are in a position of trust and wouldn't want to tempt fate by any decisions they made. This would include many factors including the weight of the train. Who at this moment in time would want to be the person who jeopardised the running of West Coast steam just after the Prohibition Notice had been lifted? <BJ>

 

I think this was a case of trying to see a problem where one didn't exist, the key word in the load limit is unassisted, if there is a diesel on the back is it not an assisting engine? I understand didn't give assistance over Dainton because it didn't need to but did up Hemerdon.
.

 

There's always someone who can find a negative in a lot of positives

Dave B

 

Turned out to be a pleasurable chore then

Dave B

 

Talking of records, would I be right in thinking that 47 760 has been the 47 most used on the GBs?

It's always been the support diesel on the ones that I've done and I see it's back again today.

Dave B

 

Considering I was heading down south expecting a diesel on inside and lots of shoving, It turned out to be a great couple of days in the Southwest for all involved ! The Scot seems to go from strength to strength at the moment ! The noise on the climb of Dainton on day two was special ! I hope you enjoy my coverage

 

Glad you said this. I'm tired of the negativism when a successful tour like this one is being run.

 

At Edinburgh this evening. The departure was rather noisy too!

Right, hotel time...!

James

 

Yes indeed................and........chill! lol

 

Cracking video and thanks for sharing. You must have been right next to me at Flax Bourton!

 

Jeez. What a post! "I think WCR were being very naughty and breaking some rule or other, I hope no-one finds out but I''l tell everyone anyway"

Priceless.

At the end of the day, WCR have matched available power and control with load and met its path and timings. If WCRC can prove they documented what they were doing, and why and what risk to service had been assessed and mitigated, then the ORRR and NR will be perfectly happy.

 

Dont know anything about diesels at all I freely admit but this was the scenario with 71000.

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v10168289ndskW6FW

 

Leave the analysis till afterwards guys.

The weather for the trip around the coast wasn't too inspiring but the sun made an appearance on Beattock followed by a short sleety spell while the loco took water ! If only it were .... ( oh maybe not ! )

 

Despite misgivings regarding the weather forecast I ventured up to the cumbrian coast today. I captured Galatea at Bootle under a snow dusted Black Combe:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48546196@N06/26442562550/in/datetaken-public/
& later next to the sea at Parton:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48546196@N06/26689045156/in/datetaken-public/

Further pics including class 37s:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48546196@N06/albums/72157667575595621

Phil
ps What happened to the headboard after Sellifield? The wind wasn't that strong.

 

A what?! Seemed more like a full-on blizzard driving down the M74 to Abington! Quite a successful day on the road. My pals and I got shots at the Leven viaduct, Ulverston monument, Lindal bank, Parton, Harrington, Lockerby, Beatock bank and Auchengrey. It felt like we had 3 seasons in one hour on Beattock...

 

Whats with them there white hills, I though it left St Austell behind.