Flying Scotsman to Kent : SD - 17/03/22

Was good to see 'Flying Scotsman' at Tonbridge this morning - and a bonus that it got held at the signal by the West Yard where was filming from:

 

Hadn't considered this might go via Redhill - darn! I happen to be there later anyway so might pop in for the return (hoping it's not as late as the outbound!).

 

Practically back on time, left CBW 6 minutes late.

 

Kent Circular Tour.
Filmed near Martin Mill:

 

It's been a bit off beat since summer last year. Assume it can't be sorted till it's overhaul as it's probably valve timings. It's been like that for so long it's almost become one with the engine!

 

It's slightly easier than Clapham Jn (Windsor Lines) for timing as there are locations nearby to take pathing stops without affecting anything else.

Cheers, Neil

 

Yes, she has sounded very off beat since last year. No doubt the valve timing will be attended to by Ian Riley and his excellent team during the upcoming overhaul.
I travelled behind 60007 in 2014 on a trip to Kingswear where the valve timing was going out of sync on the return run. It sounded very odd but did not seem to affect the performance of the A4 as we had a cracking run that day as can be seen in the videos below:




Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

A clear, calm night at Redhill made for good sound transmission as 60103 came off the Tonbridge route and accelerated towards London. A small amount of assistance from the 47 when the train had passed, but even that seemed unnecessary as the train was 6 early and going well!

 

Glad you were able to get out and see it. I think the routing via Redhill caught quite a few of us out. Mind you, a year ago, who would have thought that Flying Scotsman would be able to run in Kent at all?

I must have been standing by you for a while before deciding to de-camp to my original planned location at Coldblow Crossing a mile or so towards Walmer as the late running meant that the sun was at the right angle there too (which it wouldn't have been had the train run to time). It was good to meet you and I think everyone who went over to East Kent to see it felt it was worth the wait.

 

Nice to meet you. It was a long wait and the wind chill factor didn’t help!

 

Indeed, and that a nigh-centenarian would be running on the main line!

 

Nice footage you got there. I drove over to Godstone to see the train pass and glad I did. Nice to see a steam hauled tour pass on a clear night.

Ben