Dorset Coast Express 2017

No Mk2s so a dual braked set so they probably could have.

 

With it being late evening and clouds gathering, photography was a bit tricky at Farnborough but just for the record some shots as 60009 passed through Farnborough (as it happens just avoiding being blocked by a fast up, overtaking service and a fast down service ... phew )

 

As mr Knowun correctly stated no water tanker at Winchfield, which I believe was stuck behind an accident on the motorway. Because it was half expected, as warning had been received before arriving at the water stop, the diesel was pushing to conserve water. Which after all is better than having to stop somewhere and chuck the fire out.

Diesel seemed to do next to nothing on the steam leg of the return and USA sounded great and sped along very well.

 

My shots at Farnborough are a bit grainy but, as you say, a record of the occasion. My efforts are in this album:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/albums/72157686734280756

Hope they're of interest

 

Regarding the first post on this thread, there is no guarantee the train will actually stop in Southampton Central on the outbound, (we did not yesterday) it is a crew change (for the diesel) come pathing stop. Although diesel driver relief has taken place at Bournemouth in previous years as well. Yesterday we waited near Millbrook for an SWT 444 to pass and in previous years a XC set as well. Unless you have pre arranged something with the train manager we stewards would not open the door for you as it is not classed as a station stop.
Normally on the return we do reverse in Southampton Central, (although that has happened in the U&DGL and at Millbrook on trips I have been on as well) and likewise that is also not an official station call but we are there longer so you may be able to chat to the train manager if you were trying for a ride to Basingstoke or Woking.
I do see today that RTC have advertised a mini trip from Bournemouth to Weymouth and back for the remaining 4 trips, the cost is £45 standard, £75 first.

 

A couple of shots from yesterday evening with the kylchap exhaust making all the right sounds

 

Nice - It was also good to meet you Ron (I was the person you gave your flickr link to on a paper slip and as it happens I was already following you on flickr)

Colin

 

I'll look out for you when the next steam special comes through. Actually, I think our paths have already crossed on previous occasions.

Ron.

 

The last part of this video is also No 9 at Farnborough with the Dorset Coast Express (the first parts are Cathedrals Express runs also in July 2017 at various locations) - includes some slow motion

 

02/08/2017 - Addlestone

 

The crew gave you a nice shot of the whistle!!!

 

And my, do they have a big and loud one.

 

The bridge is sinking, so they keep lowering the track.

 

Looking at RTT on the return run it seems to have been early all the way to Southampton; is the A4 pushing the 33 from the back? (Ducks and runs for cover)

 

Excuse me. Why are using up your precious film on a diesel hauled freight. Ugh!!

 

West Byfleet. Was due on the main, appeared on the relief and checking RTT seems it did the switch at Weybridge

 

No film these days, so its not precious, so one can be diesel hauled freight profligate!

 

I think it was on the slow as the SWT unit that it normally follows up the fast was about 3 minutes late at Woking. The DCE usually sits there to wait for the unit to leave (it is first stop Waterloo) and clear the section, last night it departed as soon as the passengers were detrained, so quick I could not get over the bridge to get a picture. I know there were delays caused by a tree (or branch I suspect really as the monitors said the driver moved it) on the track near Brockenhurst, so it may have been a knock on from that.