West Somerset Steam Express: 24/07/21

I agree, but I am also concerned whether some of the promoters will survive, and we will be left with a limited choice.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK - Office for National Statistics 23 July 2021

• ''In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in the week ending 17 July 2021; we estimate that 741,700 people within the community population in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 689,600 to 797,800), equating to around 1 in 75 people''.

Calculating on an estimate of 300 passengers per train equates to 4 people suffering from Covid-19. Personally, that's 4 passengers too many<BJ>.

 

It was a cracking day, running-wise. The problem wasn't of our making, and, in fairness, thaat stone train shouldn't have got in our way, as we should have stopped at Pewsey for water, allowing him to get clear, and we should have been restarting before the IET got there. It was smart work by all concerned to get the water tanker moved to the loop.

Bahamas was certainly well on top of the job - a credit to the engineers, support crew, footplate crews and those who cleaned her after the Thursday trip.

Mark

 

Getting an engine turned round and clean within a day is no easy job, particularly when the support crew had to be up at silly o’clock the previous morning and not finishing the right side of midnight. I went down to Southall to do a bit along with one other extra hand but working a loco that far from home requires a lot of dedication from the regulars

 

Exactly so, John, and credit where it's due.

 

A short shot of Bahamas passing Bridge 99 over the Kennet and Avon Canal, including a closer look at Bridge 99 itself. Enjoy

 

Quite agree with previous posts about quality of Bahamas running. To put some figures on it, Frome to Taunton is rather over 41½ miles, completed in 44 min 9 sec with a slow start and finish, and actually the second fastest of the half dozen or so runs I have timed over this section. The climb of Brewham bank on the way back was also most impressive until eased half a mile before the summit. Many thanks to RTC for organising the tour, West Coast for operating it, and the Bahamas Society and support crew in particular for the immaculate turnout of the locomotive (but then I'm biased being a member).

 

Hi Nick - great video. What happens after they have dis-gorged at Watchet, does the train go the Blue Anchor t get a run round, didn't think they could do that at Watchet? We will be down there on our jollies for the next one, thanks Harold.

 

The leading engine ran round at Williton before going up to Watchet. The ECS and return charter were top and tailed for the rest of the day.

 

Thanks Nick, helps a lot, thanks Harold.