VT - The Cornishman - 28 April - Update

Well, my first run ever over the Devon banks with steam and nice to do it with the "horse for the course". Way back, when a young lad, my grandfather (ex GW/BR(W) driver ) and father bought me the ARGO transacord 45RPM single "Two Castles From Plymouth". Side one features the departure of 7029 from Plymouth on that famous tour of 1964. So, sat one coach back on yesterday's train it was interesting to finally bring that recording to life. I dug it out and read the sleeve notes on my return last night. 7029 was hauling 265 tons and speed dropped to minimum of 23.5 mph on Hemerdon. An interesting comparison to the 18mph quoted earlier, for yesterdays run.I am not sure what the weight was of yesterday's train; I'd guess at least 265tons, probably more.
Great day out,superb locomotive, expertly crewed by professional people who know their game.

 

The load was 315 tonnes, 9 coaches (including the support coach)

James at SVN

 

Here is the pacing sequence of 5043 alongside the M5... Enjoy!!!

A GWR Castle at speed - 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe racing alongside the M5 - YouTube

 

Thanks for that. Great video.

 

Nonsense!

 

I guess you were the white Peugeot.

 

Another person hiding behind a silly username. As such an expert, maybe you could describe the correct way the drive a double chimney castle over the banks. I am sure we could all benefit from someone who has done this so many times before?

Also, can't wait for your guidance about Sapperton Bank in the rain with 12.....

 

Silver Rover!

 

Brilliant!

 

My GPS showed a minimum of 17.2 mph on Hemerden which still isnt bad with 9 for 315 tons tare or about 340 tons gross. Dont forget in GWR days 9 coaches would have been lighter so we were actually over the load limit. It was driven sensibly throughout but of course you cant get up 1 in 42 climbs without some wellie!

Would be nice to hear some views from the Tyseley crew instead of from us critics sitting comfortably on the train.

Don

 

Superb footage Ben - even the missus was impressed :cheer2:

 

Suprised a Rover didn't explode trying to keep up with 5043

as others have said, that footage was superb, how on earth did you time it to meet the train at the right point ?.

 

We were lucky enough to have a friend on the train that was in contact throughout the day. We waited at the services near Exeter, and when we got the call we made our way to the M5. A short stop in the hard shoulder and we were away.

It really was a great team effort with David driving, myself with the camera and our friend Roy in the passenger seat with the microphone. A big thanks must go out to the forum's No. 7 for staying in contact throughout the day.

I'm glad everyone likes the footage!

 

Great stuff chaps, nice effort all round!

 

My cover is blown! Sorry I was late on the phone at Cogload! Great shot on the M5.

 

A bit off topic but what's the chances of seeing this magnificent locomotive doing A tour out of paddington over banks would be brilliant but anywhere really I was on the train yesterday and already wanting to rebook another behind this loco and A run out of paddington would just be the icing on the cake really.

 

I reckon VT could do an awful lot worse than to consider this... 5043 solo or even with 5029? Could VT recreate the Cornish Riviera Express? There could be a market this year in particular, since Steam Dreams postponed their multi-day tour to Scotland. What do you all think? Late summer 2/3 day tour over the banks with two Castles in BR livery? Would be quite a sight!

James at SVN

 

2014 to celebrate 50 years since 7029's record run in 1964. Lots of planning to do yet, but it will involve 5043 and 7029.

Patience.......but we are all exataic at the way 5043 performed all weekend. We are just got back from day 9 of GB V from Bristol to Paddington with 12 up Sapperton Bank.

Next weekend Llandudno double-heading 5043 and 4965. Then 5043 goes to Edinburgh and over the Forth Bridge....a first for a Castle. Still a handful of seats!

 

Agreed, let us not get too carried away, it was nothing more than a thought. 5043 performed flawlessly from what I've seen and heard, I've said it before but a big well done to everyone involved!

James at SVN