Torbay Express Season 2012

I'm not going to be able to get a full Sunday off work to do this trip but if I can wangle a late shift I'm tempted to do a half-day on the PDR on a Torbay day. What's the usual procedure when the Torbay Express gets to Kingswear? Does it use the bay and get shunt-released around the service trains? And does anyone know the path for the main line loco going to Churston for turning? Was thinking Kingswear sounds like quite an interesting place to be on a Torbay day. Any info much appreciated.

 

A slightly different version of timings for the transfer of Britannia to Bristol are now shown on uksteam. For some reason the loco runs to Lawrence Hill and then reverses into Barton Hill depot. This leaves the loco facing north. Rather strange. <BJ>

Bath Spa 12:46
Lawrence Hill a 13:11
d 13:24
Barton Hill a 13:30

 

In the past the procedure has been for the train to come into the main platform at Kingswear. The loco then ran round and shunted the stock into the bay before heading off to Churston. Don't know the timings but basically it has to do the shunt and then get off to Churston in time to cross with the next service train.
Of course, this year something completely different could happen!

 

The timings have been altered on uksteam. Britannia travels to Bristol TM tomorrow and then reverses into Barton Hill depot.
The loco is then facing in the correct direction for the Torbay Express on Sunday morning. <BJ>

 

Sometimes they use the class 25 for shunt release at Kingswear. The Rat follows in the next path behind the TE, unless it is a wet rail and Tangmere, in which case the 25 is attached at Paignton to provide banking assistance up to Churston.

 

70000 Britannia + s/coach arrived safely at Bristol TM 14 mins early. <BJ>

 

Thanks. Very much looking forwards to tomorrow. Even the weather looks OK!

 

Thanks for the info Stu in Torbay and 6026, will pop over one Sunday afternoon and see what happens.

 

ECS for the Torbay Express workings left Eastleigh about 1630 this afternoon. All coaches painted chocolate and cream complete with roof boards - [TORBAY EXPRESS] [BRISTOL TM - PAIGNTON - KINGSWEAR]

Cheers, Neil

 

Ive noticed some coaches with the roofboards in recent Pathfinder tours, a very nice touch.

 

70000 Britannia a few minutes late at Flax Bourton but going well. Spot on time through Bridgwater.
Stock: 10 chocolate and creams plus the carmine and cream support coach. Very smart.

Update: 70000 through Exeter within a gnats whisker of right time. Loco adorned with reporting numbers '146'. <BJ>

 

Past Broadsands on time

 

I'll look forward to seeing pics of that, a BR Standard with a GWR reporting number, though the Cardiff Canton Brits must of carried them so quite realistic.

 

Looked and sounded fantastic near Exminster,so nice to have another loco on the Torbay's.

70000,Exminster | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Cheers,
Mark

 

Running very nicely and on time just after Teignmouth.

70000 Britannia on the Torbay Express 1st July 2012 - YouTube

 

Sounded absolutely stonking tonight at Cockwood foot crossing,photo below:

70000,Cockwood | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


Cheers,
Mark

P.S Mr Ray Mason,I had to swerve to avoid you on your bike coming into the Warren on the way back!

 

Nearly went to the same crossing! Were you the car in the MIDDLE of the road!!!!
I was/am very sleepy so thanks for missing me Mark!!!!

 

Shame you didn't! Was gonna stop but seems really chaotic on that bit of road today for some reason :S I was the Silver Punto that was passing as you came out of the cycle track!


Passed you the other day outside the chinese too! Me and dad are both here tomorrow during day (he's on train tonight tho) and i'm living here until end of August so feel free to come round,number 31 right next to the wood cabin/willow tree,first holiday home as you walk down Hazelwood...... (silver punto outside....)

Thanks Oakfield,much appreciated.

Cheers,
Mark

 

some photos and video fom around paignton and goodrington at torbay ex 70000 1-7-12 - keyhamtrain and keyhamtrain's channel - YouTube