55022

On preserved lines, completely understood. But for main line running at speed? For all the tractive effort, one engine is less horsepower than a single class 37, and those timings look like a lot to ask of a single 37 unless there's assistance provided.

 

For the second time this week, East Coast top link power between Crewe and Chester. And it rained again.
At least the minder matched, I much prefer two tone green to overall blue!

Just a thought but how does a newly overhauled heritage diesel not require a loaded test run

 

If it has run today, on only 1, i will let you all draw conclusions as to what to expect on Saturday, that would be disappointing for those travelling.

 

I've just looked up RTT and 1Z55 on Saturday is timed at 95 MPH so that must mean both engines.

 

Maybe a loaded test tomorrow?

 

That'll be the maximum speed of the 47 tagging along for the ride on the rear.

 

That looks probable since this appeared this morning, might get out locally for this Yodel permitting !

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...3/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LS

 

You want smoke/clag ? on one engine,
All 2 strokes smoke a bit.

 

No layover at Shrewsbury so the pair are now heading back to Crewe early (on the original route so far even though RTT says - diverted at the operators request)

 

Loaded test run ?.
A pristine (too pristine ?) D9000 & minder at Eyton Crossing this morning.

 

Can't comment on how many engines were operating today (Friday) but on yesterdays run (Thursday it was running on only one engine.

 

There's a real slice of the mid-1960s, right there. Absolutely fantastic.

 

Test run at Cosford , running very early

 

BR green D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' departed Crewe 3 minutes late for Newcastle.

A quick count gave the load as one mk.2 and seven mk.1s + green 47.805 pushing.

D9000 appears to be on one engine only. <BJ>

 

An autumn morning in the Staffordshire countryside at Hatton Mill, D9000 complete with Thistle.
Maybe the loco is being nursed a little on it's first outing but it was much closer than I'd expected before it was audible.

 

Is it just me or does the lower body side shade of green seem a little on the light side? (55002 seems the same)

 

Comparing it to this shot of D9009 at Ribblehead in 2015 it does indeed look a lighter shade. Which is correct I wouldn't like to say since the shots were taken in different lighting conditions (and at different iso setting ), this morning being early sunshine still emphasising the red end of the spectrum against hazy conditions around midday when the light will be closer to white.



and 55002 in 1981 as repainted for the NRM.

 

D9000 being assisted heavily on Shap by the 47 on the rear but a great sight all the same.

 

D9000 at Salterwath.

 

One for Victor - hope it eases the knee pain a little; passing Bay Horse heading north.