RTC Sussex Belle: 06/12/23

Indeed, and despite the huge reduction in the number of service trains, it still managed to run late at various points, especially the start, and caused a Southern Gatwick working to be checked at Stoats Nest Junction (and presumably then all the way to Gatwick)! Of no overall consequence, of course. A fine day for observers - I hope the passengers enjoyed it as much.

 

Certainly, Ian. That would've been the icing (pardon the pun) on the cake!

 

A phone shot from yesterday at Coulsdon - wider angle (8K video frame).

 

There used to be crossovers right next to the old station and bridge. I have many shots taken there in 1963

 

It would be fascinating to see them - have you posted any anywhere?

 

No but some of them should be published soon

 

Two photos of this tour on the outward leg, first crossing the viaduct at Balcombe, then going well with the line all to itself just to the East of Berwick Station.

 

Is there a reason why the tour loco always seems to be 44871, are there gauging restrictions that preclude other engines, or is it that it's the preferred engine. for the Christmas runs starting from Victoria in December.

 

Always seems to be more like perm any one from one at this time of the year where loco availability is concerned.
I assume it also went to Lincoln today although nobody seems to have mentioned that tour.

 

Its a shame Ian Riley has been too busy to have cracked on with 35009, it must be getting harder now to path 60 mph trains into an already busy network, having an engine with larger water capacity and a higher top speed would have made sense, but one day, here's hoping he decides i need her done now.

 

In the case of this year, 44871 is the only WCRC registered loco available for tours out of London. Most of the other locos that could have eased the burden on the 44871 and it's support crew, have been out of action, undergoing winter maintenance or needed for the trips in the North of England (or in the case of 45407 and 45212, were needed to help out services on heritage lines).

As for a Black Five being the usual motive power on the Sussex Belle, I'm not too sure why but given it goes up the Hastings line on the return, it could be a case of gauging issues.

 

I think Bulleids are cleared for the Hastings line so I imagine most locos are, but can't be sure. Perhaps Eastbourne and surroundings have such issues?

 

Perhaps. I know 70000 in 2011 went to Hampden Park as part of an ECS before a SD trip from Lewes in 2011 and 60163 did a trip from Lewes as well in 2013 (can't remember if that went to Hampden Park or not either), but both trips went up through the Brighton mainline rather than the Hastings Line.

 

Well they were in 2009 and 2011 (at least Tangmere in its unrebuilt form) was when I stewarded the original version that went via Ashford on the way to Hastings. Of course the National Network seems to continually "shrink" so no idea if it would still be, or if there are issues elsewhere on the current iteration.