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The Citadel Express 8th May

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by RalphW, Apr 30, 2010.

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  1. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Just got home after overnighting in Gloucester. Well what a fabulous trip it was, once again the crew excelled and there was some stunning running in both directions, with 70+ regularly between crewe and Carnforth. After the water stop we set of in a determined fashion with a brisk run up towards Greyrigg summit but with a slip not far from the summit speed did drop quite a bit, however there run down the Lune Valley soon saw the speed building and we were through Tebay at more or less maximum, but a brief slip just on the start of the climb again took that little edge of the speed. After that she just dug in and the summit speed was quoted at 44mph. We then had a clear run down to carlisle and arrived some 15 minutes early.
    The return from carlisle to Shap sunnimt was nothing short of spectacular, I understand there were a couple of easings of the regulator to allow the water level to recover, but most of the time the roar from the exhaust was awesome.
    After the summit we were told that the Carlise to Shap Summit was the 2nd fastest recored with that load, and without those easings it would have been the fastest. However things got in our way further south and as we were a bit early through Preston, the climb up to Leyland was slow as we wwere waiting for a train from Blackburn to cross. It was sitting in Leyland so quite a few had there view spoilt. Wigan was passed at a great rate but then were ran slowly into Warrington where we were put into the side platform and stopped for about a minute whilst a late running Virgin was allowed to pass us. We then crawled up the line past Arpley sidings before regaining the main, once back on it every attempt was made to recover the lost time but we were not able too.
    Bill Andrew and Simon ? were in charge on the northbound run with Peter Kirk and Mick Kelly on the return.
    The whole team did a fine job, once again proving that there is nothing to match Staniers finest in the hands of those who know how to use it.

    Look forward to the complete selection videos and photos, those so far all very good and I must say those in the Lune Valley from high on the hillside stand out.
    Roll on the 22nd when we do it all again..
     
    RalphW, May 9, 2010
    #21
  2. royce6229

    royce6229 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info Ralph, we were just south of Thrimby Grange and she was starting to sound a bit like Hamilton, but sadly she was eased right in front of us, so the recording was not the best, what a pity they couldnt borrow Hamiltons injectors....
     
    royce6229, May 9, 2010
    #22
  3. Jeff Albiston

    Jeff Albiston Member

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    Nice to meet up with again Neil, I think it was a year ago where I first met you at Carrog where I spent the 1st day of Steel, Steam & Stars 2 with Phil Jones & his girlfriend, Suzanne.

    6233 looked superb in her new black livery. Many thanks to Ralph for the updates.
     
    Jeff Albiston, May 9, 2010
    #23
  4. 60017

    60017 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    A virgin in Warrington - are you sure ? LOL
     
    60017, May 9, 2010
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  5. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    OK so hindsight is wonderful but Acton Bridge and Hartford were both taken going like the clappers, and strangely enough neither had more that half a dozen on the platforms. Oh and Wigan must also was taken at 70mph.... Must try better on the 22nd.

    One final thing I only saw one NatPres member on board, come on guys support the black Duchess you know you want to, and when you are on board the colour is irrelavent......
     
    RalphW, May 9, 2010
    #25
  6. dmr

    dmr New Member

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    One final thing I only saw one NatPres member on board, come on guys support the black Duchess you know you want to, and when you are on board the colour is irrelavent......[/QUOTE]



    i'm wating for the summer rtc trips as lancashire & yorkshire pickup is better for me as crewe is nowhere near me. just hope they announce locomotive dates in the next few weeks.
     
    dmr, May 9, 2010
    #26
  7. Linesider

    Linesider Well-Known Member

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    'ey up Chris - good to hear that you were out for this :). Shame was eased for you on the return; I quite agree about the Hamilton-esque nature of the performance south!

    My video from yesterday's now up - showing her at Shap Summit, Penrith and Lancaster. Opens with a (admittedly below-par) pacing sequence, which would not have been possible without Ralph's invaluable and kind updates.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By1zZYHQs4k
     
    Linesider, May 9, 2010
    #27
  8. phil.sez

    phil.sez Member

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    phil.sez, May 9, 2010
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  9. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Nice shots Phil, you didn't seem to have problem capturing the black. :smile:
     
    RalphW, May 9, 2010
    #29
  10. phil.sez

    phil.sez Member

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    Thanks Ralph. I think it looks good in the Black, its nice to have a change.
     
    phil.sez, May 9, 2010
    #30
  11. royce6229

    royce6229 Well-Known Member

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    Good stuff as always David, was obviously a cracking run, NW wind didnt help with the sound especialy on Shap, but was good to hear her going so well. Black certainly suits her in the go department so I all for it. :)
     
    royce6229, May 10, 2010
    #31
  12. Jeff Albiston

    Jeff Albiston Member

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    I'm hopeful that 6233 is the rostered for the Cumbrian Mountain Express on Sat 7th August. But I won't know until nearer the time as RTC haven't pencilled in locos yet!
     
    Jeff Albiston, May 10, 2010
    #32
  13. 05micfis

    05micfis Member

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    Some sensational shots there. She really was shifting up Shap and through Penrith. LMS Black superbly matches 6233; in fact Crimson Lake, BR Blue and Brunswick Green all suit her!!
     
    05micfis, May 10, 2010
    #33
  14. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Just found this on the tube, not quite the best of shots, but both clips showing 6233 hurrying along, the first with the almost classic tap leak, and the second tearing through Lancaster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_choTo63mbI
     
    RalphW, May 10, 2010
    #34
  15. Linesider

    Linesider Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Chris; it was a good day for Duchess fanatics. When we heard 6233 approaching Penrith and Lancaster we knew we were in for a treat, although you can just see on the Penrith shot that she was shut off through the station, causing a heart in mouth moment!

    Thanks very much and I quite agree about the liveries, especially when she delivers performances like that!
     
    Linesider, May 10, 2010
    #35
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