The White Rose Saturday 13th November 2010

Here's what appears to be the reason

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Rail-Mail/Letters

 

Neither would I, but at least it may give an insight into the problem, I also heard that there was a possibility that she was running hot on the outward leg - middle big end again?

It also raises questions as to the maintenance of the loco at Southall.

 

..and what's Bittern doing mentioned on the Mid-Hants website when It's nothing to do with them now?
They only like 'Sothern' engines,it's why 019 was put out to grass and given it's marching orders.

 

Bittern was not put out to "grass" - Jeremy Hoskins made the decision to base all of his loco's at Southall, so when the agreement between them ended, of she went to Southall - simples, in fact the MHR had wanted to give her a good send off, but after she was "grounded" earlier in the summer after allegedly trying to set fire to half of Yorkshire, the subsequent investigations & repairs meant that time ran out.

In fact Bittern was well like by the crews in general which is why from time to time you see snippets about her on the MHR wbsite.

As for the Southern bit - it is where they are based & it is what the are trying to re create/preserve- nobody accuses the WSR/SVR or Didcot about only liking GWR.

 

I little unfair, I think. The to-ing and fro-ing to the mainline was a bit of a pain sometimes, especially when she came back with a problem that meant she couldn't work MHR services when we needed her, but most of us were sad to see her go and we take an interest in her exploits on the big railway as "one of ours". I think SVR regulars feel something similar about No 9.

 

If she was "running hot" on the outward leg why did a) she continue in fine style to York and b) head the train back south again later the same day? Generally speaking a hot bearing means game over for the day.
Still trying to get hold of my support crew mate for a definitive answer.

 

Still trying to get hold of my support crew mate for a definitive answer.[/QUOTE]

It would be good if you could & anyway I only said it's a possibility that she was running hot - in fact I believe that last year she ran to York & developed a less than temperate middle big end & still returned the tour to London.

 

Lead us not into temptation..........................