Torbay Express 2016

A batch of coal causing high ash production which clogs the grate and suffocates the air flow has been in circulation. An issue from one end of the country to the other it seems.

 

WCRC are use to operating 46115 so now the best way to fire them.

 

The inference being that the outcome would have been better had a WC crew been on the footplate?
Acknowledging DB has mostly operated wide box locos, they have also used 6024 with considerable success down the years, possibly 5029 too? It seems a bit churlish to question the crew competence IMHO.

 

Clearly you have never encountered the M6 around Birmingham which cannot be avoided when needing to take the M5. Lets be generous and say a four hour drive from Lancashire. So set off at 3.30am and get home about 1.30am. Probably sleep through the steam trip. Risk falling asleep at the wheel. Not the smartest advice I've seen given on here!

 

Seems to be making heavy weather of it on the return looking at RTT

 

Now in Tivvy loop to let 2 service trains pass.

 

I know the M6 around Birmingham only to well and avoid it if I can. Southport to around Bristol, about 3hours leaving at 4.30 you should be past Birmingham by 6.30 and not much around at that time on a Sunday. I suppose it depends on if you are used to driving. I can't sleep in a car even as a passenger and have done some insane trips in search of steam

 

Just passed Tiverton Parkway

 

Used to driving? Only around 30k per year. Three hours is pushing it even in the early hours. Potential for falling asleep at the wheel on either leg is high. Safety is a key consideration whether you are a high mileage driver or not. Those who drive professionally try to be responsible about distance, time and tiredness.

We always stay over in Bristol for this trip. Makes the whole event more enjoyable. Looking forward to this years experience.

 

46100 passing Saltern Cove this afternoon

http://www.robertajsherwood.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=202136148

 

Get back to your sticking draincocks

 

Diesel joining at Taunton on front

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Wonder where the diesel will come from???? Was Scot being shadowed by diesel??

 

Don't think so as they thought the problem was just coal on the way and the PDSR stuff was different (Welsh) and hadn't had problems with it. Don't know where the diesel would come from

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I wonder if theres a 66 at the Freightliner depot at Fairwater yard and if they would loan it... other wise nearest loco could be Newport??

 

More worrying is the impact on the rest of the season. Will all TBEs now have a tail gunner? Or will there be a diesel shadowing the tour. DBS had a shadow on the Royal Scot earlier in the year and that pleased everyone. There just in case but not spoiling the fun.

 

Forgot that Westbury is probably the closest diesel to Taunton..

 

Apparently (according to on train announcers) there's a useable diesel in fairwater, how long it'll take to get a path and crew etc. is a different matter.

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No diesel......now direct to Bristol.

 

Departed Taunton 86 late.. doesnt look like it has diesel, well Ive not seen a report it has. Reported as going via Bridgewater now...