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West Somerset Steam Express: 24/07/21

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Big Al, Jul 14, 2021.

  1. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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    I agree, but I am also concerned whether some of the promoters will survive, and we will be left with a limited choice.
     
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  2. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    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>.
     
  3. MarkinDurham

    MarkinDurham Well-Known Member

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    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
     
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  4. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    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
     
  5. MarkinDurham

    MarkinDurham Well-Known Member

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

    KristianGWR Member

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    A short shot of Bahamas passing Bridge 99 over the Kennet and Avon Canal, including a closer look at Bridge 99 itself. Enjoy :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2021
  7. Bill2

    Bill2 New Member

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    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).
     
  8. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Agree completely. I've had a run behind a green Class 8 that covered this section starting at the signal protecting the Frome exit at Blatchbridge Junction in under 39 minutes - well inside even time. But we do need to remember that this is a Class 5XP and on the return climb of Brewham the loco did seem to be levelling out at a commendable speed in the mid forties before it was eased.
     
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  9. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  10. Western Venturer

    Western Venturer Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  11. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Nick, helps a lot, thanks Harold.
     
  12. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Just to add to that helpful detail from @Western Venturer, the whole charter train movement demanded some slick operating given that there were also two service trains on the line. From my observation it was all handled pretty well.
     

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