Cathedrals Express 6th October

See this now routed via Andover rather than Haslemere on the outward leg with 34067. Return still looks like going via Haslemere though according to UKsteam.

 

When they did this run last year with 60019 (+2nd tender) she was on a very tight schedule over the Portsmouth line. The Haslemere stop caused problems and delays. Also the train was overloaded as it was originally booked for 6233. Strangely the train had a diesel on the rear which never assisted on the outward run but shoved 60019 along for most of the return run as it was late. Due to speed restrictions on the Portsmouth line the train was still very late when we got to Guildford where we had to bail out (having originally boarded at Woking). I am a bit surprised this trip is still going over the PD line on the return run as the paths are very limited for steam as demonstrated by 60019 and also 60163 in December last year when she delayed several service trains.

 

Thanks for the update from the run last year.

 

The Steam Dreams site quotes timings the same as as the D.C.E. trips down the main but via Eastleigh Redbridge Romsey to Salisbury no mention of Andover. Returning via Haslemere Guildford. So let's see on the day.

Mike M. (70c )

 

UKSteam just updated again - now also shows the long way round to Salisbury i.e. via Winchester & Romsey rather than Andover.

 

Running around 10 mins late at Deepcut this morning. Looked in fine form, no diesel attached, hope all goes well today.

 

34067 seems dwarfed by the cavernous cutting at Deepcut this morning:

 

She was only around 18 minutes down by Dunbridge, which wasn't bad considering the delays between Southampton & Bournemouth due to an incident not involving steam! This is my effort from this lunchtime, hope to catch her again this evening:

https://picasaweb.google.com/110558020682175210076/TrainsMiscSteam#5660366567130717346

& for those of you who like diesels a FGW Class 153 went through shortly beforehand:

https://picasaweb.google.com/110558020682175210076/TrainsMiscDieselElectric#5660392294181925714

 

At Claverton just before the sun dropped behind the hills.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/sets/72157627708611657/

 

Quite a lot of wheel slipping at Upton Scudamore this evening, resulting in a serious drop in speed.
Thank goodness the rails were dry. Video footage anyone? <BJ>

 

Lovely photos

My vid from this evening - not much I'm afraid though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWGCG6oOrE

 

few mins late at guildford.

im more interested to know if there some rule about whistleing.
everone likes a whistle, but drivers dont seen to whistle much now.

i thought you always had to do so before departing.

 

Video clip from Twerton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2zN6aHaoY

Claverton Down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTMva9uRZUw

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64433281@N07/6218348961/in/photostream

My effort this evening.

Best regards,

 

I notice the "Green Train" is becoming more and more maroon these days! Are the coaches being repainted in WCRC colours or have some of the green ones been taken away for maintenance (or better still scrapping)?

 

In all fairness, it looks as though the green coaches in the formation today have either had a decent scrubb or a new coat of paint applied so this would probably answer your question, think I'd favour the latter.

Saw Tangmere starting the attack on Buriton last night about right time but once she started hitting the curves there were a couple of slips which were well caught but she started to slow as they curves and weight of the train took effect. Plus there another couple of climbs after Petersfield so not surprised she was a few minutes late at Guildford.

 

Times have changed Andy.

Used to get the milkman and the postmen going about their days work with a cheery whistle once.

Whistle While You Work

 

I didn't realise until I watched my video at home last night, that the load yesterday was 12 coaches.
Not surprising then that there were a few slips during the day. <BJ>

 

Superb!

 

Also note they don't whistle at Level Crossings, or appproaching stations they will not be stopping at. any more either.