25th March - 6201 on the Cath Ex

There is a triangle at West Ealing for that, although I expect they turned it around at the triangle near Stewarts Lane with the Diesel on the back before returning to Southall last night.

 

How did you get timings for this move?

 

Knowing a few people in the right places is somewhat useful...

 

The run on Thursday was superb with many highlights. My Father and I are very glad we booked on it. The train had certainly filled up with people wanting to ride behind the magnificent 6201. There were also many passengers buying tickets on the day including on the short section between Bath and Bristol.

It was certainly entertaining watching the looks on the faces of commuters as 6201 thundered around London and the suburbs. There was a tense moment outside Tulse Hill station as 6201 was stopped on a tight curve against the grade. On restarting she had to fight for adhesion and was excellently handled. The climb from Redhill was very spirited with the crew taking a run-up on the easy grades before climbing to Gomshall. Next Guildford echoed to the mighty bark from "lizzie" as she climbed away with ease. The residents of Ash were also to witness the spectacle of 6201 hard at work as she was opened up before the station and stormed through the station in spectacular fashion. Having been eased before Reading we were given the all clear and the driver opened up her in some style and it was fantastic as we charged through the centre road with that mighty Stanier soundtrack echoing from the surrounding buildings. As 6201 powered away from Reading I must admit there was a lump in the throat as the sound was amazing, the loudest I have heard any loco work on the Main Line. The power was kept on as we stormed on through Pangbourne, Goring and Cholsey. After racing through Didcot a few weeks ago behind 60163 I didn't expect it to happen again but we flew through.
At the water stop the ropey weather arrived. Leaving the water stop we enjoyed more spirited running but before Swindon the brakes came on and we sat outside the station for a while before entering and being told there was a problem with "Lizzie". There were some glum faces as we sat in the station with rumours circulating of something having fallen off of the loco earlier. Fortunately the rumours were just that; we were told that 6201 had steaming problems and would soon be on her way and 6201 continued her Journey to Bath and Bristol. The spirited running had produced a max of 77mph on the outward leg.

The return journey was delayed as 6201 returned late from turning and servicing. We could see the steam from her as she was turned on the traingle at the time when the return journey was due to depart! With a late start the crew set about making up the time in horrible weather. After Bath the sound from 6201 was once again magnificent as she stormed through Sydney Gardens (see the great video from Phillip Griffin). More spirited fast running followed on the return run but we were held up at several places as we had lost our path. With the crew having made some of the time up we were still late at Reading and My father and I decided it would be better to bail out at Guildford rather than go all the way back to London as we both had to go to work the next day. So it was with reluctance that we got off and watched 6201 bark out of Guildford and head for the Surrey hills. We both agreed that it had been one of the best runs we had been on. Thanks to all involved for a great day.

 

I saw her at Ash making the most awesome sound I've ever heard, you could hear her 2 miles away I was not disappointed that Tangmere could not make this trip as I've seen her so much and never seen Lizzie.

Hopefully 6023 will have a roar like that when she returns.

However, Sod's Law has ensured that this is the first time ever that a mainline steam excursion has gone through Reading Station and no-one has posted a video of it :doh:

 

Saw it at Chilford on the return. As others have said the sound from Lizzie was amazing. You could heard every single beat as it started away from Shalford after watering until it passed us. A video shot of it can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HarcSjBU9eQ

 

Because Reading is one of those stations where you need a passport & a visa plus go through customs to get anywhere on it. Then you might get accosted by the gestapo plod.

 

True. I find it's a good idea to carry a copy of the Network Rail "Guidelines_for_rail_enthusiasts" info with me when I'm going on a station
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/guidelines_for_rail_enthusiasts.html

Though they were very good about it at Reading when Tornado came through last month.

 

Glad to see your education progressing in the right direction at last.

 

Now now chaps, let's just remember where Mr. Stanier came from. 'Lizzie' is just a big red 'King' anyway... *runs for cover!*

Edit (This is a light-hearted comment. I love all steam engines, I'm not fussed what region theybelong to )

 

Different crews, different driving techniques. The King can certainly bark when asked. <BJ>

 

What Ben said.

Mr.Stanier was a very shrewd man, escaped when he could and went somewhere where his talents could flourish and blossom.eep:

 

When 6201 stopped for water at Tyseley on it's way down to London it was parked next to 5029 for a bit. It was interesting to see all the similarites.

 

Some nice vids here guys, anyone know who the crews were making all that noise???

 

We've had the "Roaring Monster", how about the "Deafening Duo"? 6201 and 70013 double heading 14-15 out of Bath - or anywhere really where the noise is echoed back..

 

I'm surprised at this comment. I have been to Reading many times and never been hassled.

 

Not so much hassle, it's the fact that it is one of those stations you can't access without a travel ticket, even it is only a single to Reading West. I don't think platform tickets are available.
To think how many hours I spent there as a kid in the late 50's/early 60's.

 

Just found this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juuWNFNFZcs