The Great Britain X - 29/04/17 to 07/05/17

Thanks @guycarr360 - do you mean about here: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=426907&Y=551823&A=Y&Z=115&lm=1 ? Is it best to approach from the houses at the top of the hill, or the footpath at the bottom? Looks like easy access from J63.

Thinking about Bradbury - how soon will the driver shut off for the cross-over into the loops around Ferryhill / Tursdale?

I see times for Friday are now on post #167 (thanks James) - via Crewe, not Chester.

 

A quick look on google earth, will probably confirm it Henry, the lineside at the bridge north, could be even better if you can get on top of a set of garages, you would get a top shot then.

 

You can take your car direct to the point, 54°51'42.2"N 1°35'14.0"W, no need to walk, its a street that faces the viaduct, easy access back to the A1 as well.

Need a trial shot, can do it this morning and DM you.

 

I'd pay money to see that!

 

If the A4 is to stop at Tursdale Junction then its possible to get from Bradbury to Croxdale, but then the problem is getting back to the A1 to continue the chase north. The Croxdale shot is quite far from the road, and youd need to park up and walk along the path to get to it. Although the A4 should be working hard to climb the bank as she heads towards Durham.

Closer to the A1 is to go for the shot, near Hett Mill and while you might want to approach from the Industrial estate mentioned above, the path ducks down under the railway and I'm not sure how good the vantage point is. Sunderland Bridge is also a possibility but then your getting further away from the A1 again, even if the run back to the car is in feet, rather than yards.

The southbound shot is further down from the industrial estate on the end of a road that is farm access. That then gives you a photo at what is normally called 'Browney' but some know as Burnigill Farm. Both Browney and Plasworth are Southbound, so not much use this time round.

 

I'll be near there I think to get back to the A1. The grade is uphill out of the loop and onto the down line as it climbs towards Hett and Croxdale.

 

Thanks Guy, that would be very much appreciated.

In the 60009 thread in Steam Traction, @Victor wrote this after the test run:

I see that something is on it's way from Carnforth to York at the moment: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50557/2017/04/28/advanced. Is that No. 9? I've been hearing whispers this morning that she might not be ready in time, but this particular source is sometimes a little pessimistic...

 

Other posts elsewhere suggest no9 is on its way.

 

Bit busy for a few hours, but will take pics asap, and forward them to you, from both locations..

 

Reports coming in that Riley's International Rescue being called into action.

I imagine its a paddling pool that moves out the way, as he's rarely in the same place...

 

This years Great Britain tour has the potential to be the best in 3 years. Kudos to all the hard working people at many different locations. It says quite a bit about the 2017 steam scene.

 

Careful Mike, you sound like a sports commentator moments before the star athlete trips and breaks her leg or the grand-slam champion is beaten in the second round! Don't want to put the mockers on it... ;-)

 

Do tell us more !!!

 

Well I do like being optimistic.

 

To be fair, it hasn't much to beat in that regard.

Fingers crossed for all booked on it. Hope it runs like clockwork.

 

Guy could you possibly send me pics also Id be very grateful

 

Possibly slightly out-of-date rumours? I heard a story this morning that No 9 wasn't ready and so one of the FW Black Fives would head for Edinburgh, or possibly Newcastle (Heaton?) to deputise. There was also a suggestion that 60103 would continue north of York. Maybe this was (is) the fall-back plan in case of difficulties? However, since No. 9 appears to be approaching York as I type, it looks as though it should be "Plan A" tomorrow.

 

Any sign of any times for Sunday yet, nothing on RTT or similar yet?