Steam Dreams 2018

....Yes. Another excellent diesel-free run from 45212.

 

A clear return run through Hook.

 

Thanks for this. Out of interest, where are these locations?

 

I saw her at Curzon Bridge (MP30, just beyond Pirbright Junction) and again in the evening as she approached Guildford Road, Frimley (having passed the original location of Sturt Lane Junction, near MP32)

 

My footage of yesterday's run, filmed at Battledown Flyover on the outward run, then Winterbourne Dauntsey on the return. I hope you enjoy it!

 

Some footage from Curzon Bridge and Frimley Green (video left running while I concentrate on still shots)

 

It seems 10 May PBO-WIN has been cancelled, probably due to the mission-like status of the timings; despite this, having yet to cover the Hertford Loop by steam, I was interested. No matter, as the Bank Manager will be happy.

The Bank Manager may be slightly less happy with 2 June, which sees a trip from London to Portsmouth Harbour, and it seems a few changes have been made since I last looked. It is now expected to depart from Victoria, head to Streatham North Junction, then pass through Tooting before joining the SWML at Wimbledon, then heading down the Portsmouth Direct Line. If the Tooting section works (I am informed that this was a regular route for SD in the past), then it is quite a neat way of avoiding the usual plod around Staines.

I'm a little skeptical about whether it will steam into Portsmouth Harbour, as I am under the impression that there's a weight restriction at the end of the line? The only sticking point is the turning trip afterwards, which involves a lot of diesel drags around Hampshire/Wiltshire. Anyway, certainly interested and might take a punt.

 

Has there been any engineering work on that stretch recently? Is a Black Five gauge-friendly enough? Time will tell.

 

On the Cathedrals Express 19 & 22/05/18 - 60103 thread

That presumes West Coast's having any inclination to bring her down south. They surely have ample reason to keep her for working trips up north.

 

Full timing's for this coming Monday's "The Lakes Express" now on RTT. Anyone yet aware as to what is on the return from Carnforth to Victoria yet?
Day 1: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10674/2018/06/18/advanced
Day 4: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10677/2018/06/21/advanced

 

Email: 45212 and FS are set to double-head from Victoria to Carnforth on Monday, sans box. Blimey.

 

Is the Cumbrian Coast/S&C optional tour still going ahead

 

Helpful to get 45212 up north to go back to its owners for the 50th anniversary gala later in the week.

 

A quick shot of 45212 near South Marston, working the return of yesterday's Cathedrals Express to Cardiff. I hope you enjoy it!

 

God the GWML catenary is seriously intrusive isn't it?

 

How will this affect the timings with the Black 5 limited to 60?

 

Path is timed for 60mph

 

As others have mentioned before, that's meaningless - the speed/weight figure is put into NR's system to create a slower path to account for steam locomotives accelerating more slowly than diesel/electric trains and doesn't correspond to the limit/weight of the train itself.

 

True but the Black 5 is a 60mph limited loco where I believe that FS is a 75 mph loco so it must impact on the trip in some way I would have thought.