End of Southern Steam (RTC) - 9/07/22

Sierra Leone? surely not

 

I did forget that one former red one is now black, the BR Red one is now green and having an identity crisis and the former pink one is now also green.
Then there’s the other red one that briefly went green but’s now back to being red,
It’s all a bit confusing innit?

 

Having had the pleasure of being on the footplate of all three 5Xs, this year, and all over the same route, the differences do show; however, even bias would not permit me to say which is best! Suffice to say, the crews like them all.

Likewise, we will not get into the "My Bulleid is better than your Bulleid" debate - we'll leave that until after the annual Bluebell/Mid-Hants children's Xmas party, when too much jelly and crisps will provoke the predictable food-fight and tears!

JS

 

I would just say that I have had many miles behind both, mainly in the years before the end of Southern Steam in the case of BIL and never had a really good run with BIL. Even when it was being nurtured towards the end of steam 28 produced some fine runs . BIL on the ACE wasnt as strong as other MNs with the same driver. It was the first rebuilt so maybe that’s why. But we must be thankful we still have both

DB

 

The WCRC multiverse is getting a bit complicated these days. Almost like the Marvel one...

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

I asked a Stockport (9B) driver back in 67 about the difference the double chimney made to the performance of 5596. He said none at all until it was worked hard when it showed an advantage in power over a normal 5X.
Of the two mainline MNs, there’s no point in having a debate. They have entirely different working conditions, BIL is a working engine as I remember them when they were still kept in good nick, 28 has an army of volunteers to keep it looking like a show pony necessary for the bulk of its work on the prestige Belmond Pullman.

 

I’m very much aware that such a thread would just turn into a massive willy waving contest James!
It’s always interesting to hear the views from what those at the sharp end think though.

 

After all the tittle tat I thought I'd bring this thread to a positive close by posting my shot from last weekend of 28 exiting Bincombe Tunnel on the climb out of Weymouth.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/oli_g_15/52216452719/in/photostream/

Well done to the MNLPS pairing up with RTC and WC for the yearly Southern anniversary runs.

It looks just as good on the maroon mk1s as well as the Pullmans....yes thebsupport coach was edited !!

Oli

 

Are you closing this thread then?

 

I'm not that bothered tbh

 

Well thanks. Suppose others don’t agree? Mods?

 

I don't have any powers to shut down or close a thread, it was just a figure of speech that after a week after the event I didn't think there was much else to talk about

I was wrong so please carry on, my apologies...

 

Just one last query from me on this tour - does anyone know who the crews were?

 

I believe

Dave Hewson driving and Chris Yates firing to Weymouth
Andy Hawkins and Chris Birmingham from Weymouth

 

I did wonder as that was where I got off the train. Someone said he may be driving towards the end, but I did not know from where.