The Torbay Limited with 6024 17th March 2012

Hmmm, sorry ‘dragging brakes’ some of us had to work today and so couldn’t enjoy the luxury of a full days travelling, much as I’d have liked to. I did travel on the St David’s Day/Help for Heroes Cathedrals Express a couple of weeks ago though and had a fantastic day.

This morning I managed to pop to down to Lympstone beach before work to watch 6024’s last run (for now!) and thought she looked smashing charging down the other side of the Exe estuary. A top GWR machine exactly where it should be and looking superb!

I’d like to say a big thank you from me to all those whose hard work and dedication has enabled myself and others to enjoy 6024 over the years, both from inside the carriage windows and from the line side. I’ll be looking out for the 6024 guys at subsequent galas (always a friendly bunch!) to donate a pound or two to their cause, (although I fear I’ve bought everything from their sales stand!) and I look forward to hearing how the overhaul is coming along. Perhaps they could keep us updated on here? I’ve had some great trips behind 6024, here's to a swift and successful overhaul!

 

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I dont know if you are already a member of the 60-24 club Pymothy, sorry if you are, but that is one way of contributing to the loco. You get a free run every year(yes I know the loco will be out for a while!!) so I think its worth it. Details on the Society Website;

www.6024.com - 6024 Preservation Society Ltd - Society page

 

I don't believe you understand the reason why so many people are dedicated to the preservation of steam locomotives. In the days of steam the railways were completely different. The words 'service' and 'pride' were taken very seriously. Locomotive crews on the crack express trains did their damnest to ensure that their trains ran to time. The stations had competitions to ensure that they were 'The Best Kept' on the line. Even the permanent way gangs had their own section to care for and competed with other gangs.

I managed to visit Barton Hill depot on Friday to see King Edward 1 being prepared for her railtour to Kingswear. A dedicated army of people worked tirelessly to ensure that the loco was in tip top condition. The loco was polished with car wax, the support coach washed from top to bottom. All this work by a volunteer group.

These people make it possible for the general public to see how things were in the 1950s, and long may it continue. When I travel behind steam on the main line I want the general public to admire the train as it passes, not just the locomotive but the entire ensemble. I don't want to hear later comments of ''What a beautiful steam loco. Pity about the mishmash of coaches''.

If Mr 'Dragging Brakes' you still see it as 'a feeble dilusion its still 1950' then so be it. To me it's all about dedication and pride.

Long Live The King. <BJ>

 

Here's my video of the King yesterday. The first clip, on the outward leg, is taken on the ascent to Whiteball Tunnel. The next clip is on the return alongside the River Teign in the late afternoon sun. The last clip is at Tiverton Parkway in the rain.

The Torbay Linited - 6024 King Edward I - 17th March 2012 - YouTube

Also a couple of photos:

6024 King Edward I - 17th March 2012 - Whiteball | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
6024 King Edward I - 17th March 2012 - River Teign | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Well what can i say a great few days with the king from hubby and bob liting her up on weds pm to the clapping and cheers as we pulled a way from temple meads at the end of the last run for now ;i loved every second of it i just hope god willing i will be back when the king returns;a big thanks to the D.B.S. lad's that have looked after our loco out on main line a super bunch of folks;
all the best
jane;

 

From the positive reports I have read from yesterday, it sounds as if everyone had a very good day.
Does anyone have a general outline of the day or preferably, a detailed log? TIA <BJ>

 

It's great to hear 6024 finished her current ML stint in fine style. I hope she is not out of action for too long.
Some good videos on this thread. Thanks for posting them.

Some great videos on YT as well. This one of the pass through Taunton on the return brings a lump to the throat!:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2769RANasfc

 

In the middle of this wonderful clip at Taunton, is where my old signal box once stood, right at the end of the middle platform. I was a booking boy there in 1965, logging every bell signal, often pulling some of the 132 levers and tolerating the very unreliable diesel hydraulics - steam had finished at Taunton the year before.

If this clip brought a lump to your throat, I can tell you that it brought a tear to my eye as it brought back so many memories.

A pity about the wailing ambulance but it didn't spoil this magnificent footage. All I could hear in my head was what I would have logged if Taunton West Station was still there, "ding" (1 bell to call attention), "ding ding ding, ding ding ding, ding" (3-3-1 non stop train via Bristol) then "ding ding" (2 bells )as the train passed Silk Mills Crossing signal box and a roar as it sped through the station only then for Taunton East Junction to send "ding ding, ding" (2-2 train out of section) as it sped of towards Bristol.

Magical.

Nick

 

Heres my video of the train. I have had to use Windows Movie maker as I dont have Sony Vegas anymore so the quality is not what I have been used to but here it is anyway.

King Edward 1 The Torbay Limited 17/03/12 - YouTube

We were not that far apart then BillR!!!!!!

 

A good detailed report. Thanks for that. <BJ>

 

A special thanks to the organiser who allowed us to hitch a ride from Craven Arms back to Shrewsbury when our own Arriva train was running late, nice to travel in style behind 67006 Royal Sovereign, even though we did miss the King, here she is having arrived back at Shrewsbury

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/austerity/NIK_0603.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/austerity/NIK_0606.jpg

 

It was a great trip and an excellent performance by the loco & crews to go out in style from the big railway at the end of this current ticket.

Can I just say a big personal thanks to all those folks who've assisted us (me) over the last 4 or so years, who were only too kind to help with advice & encouragement. I'd like to publically thank a few, so, in no particular order, to the folks at the WSR (especially Andy Forster for letting me to continue to raid his technical library), David Hurd and everyone at Williton (especially Ray). The folks at the GWS (especially to Ted Lacey for the help with drawings). The folks at the SVR and the workshop at Bridgnorth. Everyone at the P&DSR (or what ever they call themselves these days). Going to miss our summer trips to the Riviera for a few years. To all tours promoters for continuing to use us. The crews at EWS/DB & WCRC. The NRM, especially the guys & girls in the search engine for all the help with the drawings and all the other folks on that project from the GWS, 6880 group & HMRS (Ivor Lewis). To the guys at Network Rail, especially with the work on gauging (I know it's an awkward lump to fit in round holes), also to Bob Meanley for the continued work on this one and other assistance. To Brian Penney, for putting up with all my questions. To those at all the other loco owning groups & FTR guys (Dave Easson, Keith Jackson, Colin Green to name a few). To the new family at loco services. Finally, to all the folks on the working party/support crew who fostered a real sense of teamwork, going above & beyond to get the job done and make it a real pleasure each time we ran.

There are stacks of names I've missed (sorry) but thanks again to one & all who had faith in us to keep this fine engine doing what it does best. Saturday was a fitting send off.

Here's a link to a great collection of pictures which really sums up the final run and the folks involved.
6024-farewell

Many Thanks.
Huw.

 

A really good trip and day out in the hands of 'the opposition'. Some excellent running, the whole day seemed faultless.Thanks to the T & D for the extra ferry to Dartmouth which saved a lot of waiting around. So many 'faces' on the train, it was nice to catch up with people.
Nice to get a comfy seat, and be eating good food instead of coal dust.
Heartfelt thanks to everybody involved.
A

 

Check out my youtube page to see the shot of the King at Sunset

 

6024 passing Dawlish on the outward.

 

I'll second that! Superb!