70000 Britannia "Royal Train" January 24th (Copy Pit)

I like to think that this is the continuation of the tradition of a pilot engine (light locomotive) travelling a few minutes ahead of the Grove (Royal Train) to confirm that the line is clear. After it has passed, no trains could cross the Royal Train's path until it had gone by.

Or maybe they just thought that three locos on one train (even the Royal Train) was one too many.

Thank you to all the photters and videographers who have brought this working to our screens.

Peter, on a dark, damp, murky Manchester afternoon
Zenfolio | Peter Hewitt's Transport Pictures | 2011 Photographs

 

I have put together a photo collection of three royal trains hauled by steam locos - 6233 Duchess of Sutherland at Garsdale in 2005; 60163 Tornado at Preston and Wigan in 2010; and 70000 Britannia today, 24 January 2012. As I only got one shot of Britannia (at Hoghton, where it was a pleasure to meet Steven G Thompson) I have included a few others of 70000 taken before it returned to the main line.

Royal steam - andrewstransport's Photos

Cheers for now

Andrew N

 

Probably more to the point the Class 67 has gone ahead (not just for your thoughts) as it will easier to hook onto the Royal Train after the Brit has been taken off (assume Wakefield or further on?) and then Royal Train can proceed to its next destination with the Brit going elsewhere. Operationally it is much easier than attempting to get the rear end Class 67 to run round and hook on.

 

Re times for Royal trains regardless whether steam, diesel, electric hauled are kept to the those who should know for operational reasons. Outside that they are not for publication anywhere - it has been like that for many a year. A simple question to members, have you ever seen timings posted on any gen group or forum of the Royal Train regardless were it travels around the country? The answer is simply no! People who have posted the timings in the past and their original source (i.e. Network Rail) have landed in trouble. Best to play if safe and pass it amongst those who you trust IF you have the timings. For others, simply look on the "Royal" site for future engagements and you can established what days the train may operate and where too, then work out possible timings to the destination. I know when the Royal train visits Liverpool, it generally arrives before 10.00 am and normally via Runcorn (but not always).

 

Nice photos Andrew, a lot better than when the Queen came to Guildford by local electric train in a sealed unit a few weeks ago. Glad to see the Royal Train getting an airing.

Mike M. (70c )

 

Some shots of 70000 at Preston waiting for the Royal Train to arrive - starting here Zenfolio | TODAYS RAILWAY SCENE by Phil Metcalfe | Mainline Steam 2012 | 70000 'Britannia' waits at Preston for the arrival of the Royal Train on 24.1.12.

And heading towards Copy Pit - Zenfolio | TODAYS RAILWAY SCENE by Phil Metcalfe | Mainline Steam 2012 | 70000 'Britannia' waits at Preston for the arrival of the Royal Train on 24.1.12.

 

There is now a good video report here:Video: Charles steams in by train for a Yorkshire date with Dickie Bird - Main Section - Yorkshire Post

 

I note that the second 67 followed rather than preceded the Royal Train after it had departed Wakefield.

 

Nice little speech from Hosking there! Does anyone know if the white roof will be around for a while (this would be my guess due to the Jubilee)?
Henners

 

The box was on because of the weather conditions.

 

The Royal Train will always have a 67 in the consist regardless of what's hauling it to power the Air Con & ETH.

 

I guess I may have misinterpreted Pete Sheridan. Engineer.

 

Not totally sure, buit I think the Mark 2 Brakes have generators on board, so ETS isn't required. Pretty sure no diesel on when 6233 and 60163 hauled the train (pretty positive in the later case as I saw it leave York and have the video somewhere).

 

Bean Counter noted :

Pretty sure no diesel on when 6233 and 60163 hauled the train (pretty positive in the later case as I saw it leave York and have the video somewhere).

Sorry to disappoint you but 6233 had 47787 attached during the North Wales tour on 11/06/2002 to assist with drawback and shunting duties whilst 60163 had 67005 attached for the same purpose during the visit to MOSI on 04/02/2010. When 60163 worked the Royal Train on 19/02/2009 the lack of diesel locomotive was - I suspect - simply that the steam mileage was the short journey from York to Leeds; had it been a greater distance I suspect that the diesel would have been attached.

 

http://railways.national-preservation.com/whats-going/34006-diesels-back-25.html

Post #244.

 

Thanks for your positive comments they are very much appreciated.......Phil.

[video=youtube;s59GKQ5wYz8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s59GKQ5wYz8[/video]

 

Never mind pictures of the train,where are the pictures of Prince Charles...?
I thought someone said he was on the footplate.
Wasn't he naming the engine or somethink like that.

Good news story here.

 

That's a first for natpres - someone asking for photos of passengers or footplate crew!

Richard

 

I think you'll find "Tornado" did have a diesel on the back for the trip from York to Leeds, I remember the driver giving everybody the royal wave. LINK.