Steam Dreams to Bath - 12/03/20

Just left Redhill. No diesel!

 

Does anyone know how Steam Dreams are with part fares between pick up/set down stations? Tempted to make a leap over to Guildford tonight for the return to Clapham as it's diesel free and I require 45212 for haulage.

 

leaving redhill

 

Got to be worth a try. Ring their office...

 

At Westcott, near Dorking.

 

Ruddy Hell, I am going back to bed to sleep for a week, I appear to have woken up in some strange parallel universe that missed out the Diesel Loco invention.

 

C

Covid-19 precautions prevent the use of 'diseasels'!

 

I might have booked on this if I had known. The question now is how they're going to keep time to Challow.

 

With aplomb it would appear!

 

As the Rev Awdry once wrote "coughs and sneezles spread diseasals!"

On a more serious note I'm rather surprised that no-one seems to have mentioned what effect Covid-19 may have on our hobby. If we get to the stage where public gatherings are banned will that include events such as steam galas, and will railtours be seen as unnecessary travel? I suppose that could be a whole new topic for discussion in itself...…..

 

No one else with a camera at Sydney Gardens. That temporary fence made it even harder to take photographs. The good news is that the B&NES Parks team are starting to remove shrubs in the bays by the lineside.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/albums/72157713463026728

 

2 mins late passing Swindon and 2 mins late passing Challow. According to RTT 13.23 miles in 14 mins. An average of just under 60 mph. <BJ>

 

My footage of the Black Five in full cry at Hungerford and battling strong winds at Newton St Loe. Enjoy.

 

I am most impressed. Well done all concerned.

 

Some very odd data this evening. According to RTT the train left Shalford 11 minutes late and was only 1 late by Dorking West! With a 60mph loco on a 75mph timing and with no diesel, to regain 10 minutes on this section surely is impossible? On top of this, I live across the valley from the line near Betchworth and have just stood outside and heard the train re-start from a dead stand at what I assume was Chalk Pit Lane crossing. There is no signal there, so was trespass occurring, and, in the dark, how was the crew alerted - hand-signalled? A wonderful sound as the train re-started (with some slipping) and the orange glow from the firebox on the exhaust was very clear from several hundred yards away.

 

Surely nothing exceptional for a 60mph-passed loco on ten coaches, then? Am I missing something?

 

I had the Reverend Awdry in mind! With the imminent total collapse of world civilisation I imagine steam excursions will be classed as frippery, yes. Other rail forums have threads on the effect of Covid-19, and it will soon be the only topic anyone talks about anywhere, if current hype is anything to go by!

 

Certainly appeared to be motoring when it was leaving Bath! The view from Bathampton. More at https://stephenfranklin.smugmug.com