Cathedrals; Thurs 5 July Lewes-Oxford with Tornado

It's better than last year, remember even 35028 failed meaning 6024, 71000, 60163 all substituted as well did some vsoe go diesel... 60163 lost its boiler for a bit, 34067 was unwell for a while, 70013 failed etc etc..
world did not end ( well it did in here for some).

Of course that can all change overnight. 70013 must be earning good money for its next overhaul.
in a few years however all these weymouths, Kent and Swanage runs will be pooled by 35009, 18 and 27 and 34046, 67 and who knows maybe 92.
anyone noticed that there not so many class 5 railtours this year ?, last year they were all over the place.?. Many covering for larger engines failures... Things are better in 2012, but apart from certain routes the network is slowly becoming a class 7 or 8 domain.

 

Well let's see what the next few weeks bring. Back on topic has anyone seen Bittern in action today?

 

Yes, just saw her looking great at Twyford. Good work by the GWR signallers with this one - after being 20 late off Willesden, she was running about 10 late approaching Twyford on the relief, with the stopper just in front. They crossed the stopper over onto the up platform (4) and let Bittern fly through with no delay. Crossed her to the fast before Reading, where she was reported only 7 late.

Video from Twyford to come later.

 

It is better than last year yes, and at least some of the problems with loco availability this year have been owing to gauging issues rather than mechanical failiure.

That said however, and while it wouldn't mitigate against the kind of FTR exam failiure that's affected this tour, I would like to see some restraint from Tour Promoters when planning and advertising their tour programmes for the future. There is no need to waive under our noses, months in advance as they often do, a very tempting programme of tours, especially the number of repeat itineraries we've seen this year, (some of which are liable to cancellation due to insufficient bookings anyway), when so many factors can change what, where and which loco actually runs on the day Wouldn't it make sense to talk to TOCs / Network Rail at the right time re future tours, and then share the details with us when there's an odds on chance of it actually being delivered. Some might say that wouldn't give them time to advertise and promote tours etc as well as get bookings in, but maybe that highlights a change in the process on which all the various parties involved need to agree ?

 

Here we go again. Perhaps that could be discussed on another thread (along with the hundred odd that already exist on the same topic.) Then this thread could be about today's Cathedrals Express......

:deadhorse:

 

Here is my video of her coming through Twyford.

Have to feel sorry for the photters in the station carpark (see 1m15s) - they not be agreeing with my earlier comment about the great work by the GWR signallers!

[video=youtube_share;9x_uXeogWuA]http://youtu.be/9x_uXeogWuA[/video]

 

Through Tilehurst 5-6 minutes down on the relief, coasting & blowing off. Opened up at the far end of the platform. Closely followed by a local.

A quick mobile phone shot as it approached the station.
Thanks to whoever sent the update from Twyford by the way.

 

As mentioned earlier 60163 did not fail the FTR or our own "pre FTR" for that matter - she was pulled on Monday to give SD as much time as possible to get a substitute Loco; being kept in KX until 11am Sunday didn't help us at all! You cannot just get into a hot firebox and fix it!
If the weld had cared to show itself after today's trip she has over two weeks without booked work and the defect would have been repaired as a matter of course. ...but then that is one of the joys of these unpredictable beasts we all care about so much.

 

Good picture from a mobile phone!

 

Cheers, I did run an "auto fix" on it, it was a slightly softer picture before. Also cropped it as well which reduces quality.
Only a little cheapish Samsung, not a smart phone or anything.

 

4464 Bittern reported passing Didcot at 17:41. <BJ>

 

I know this is not completely related to this tour.
However, I must say it is nice to see Bittern operating as well as she is. This is her 2nd substitution tour so far.

 

what a brilliant water turn round at Twyford. Right on time arrival ( to the station anouncer 'please stay clear of the fire' !! watered very efficiently, and away on time, when the following due turbo was already in sight in the distance. Platforms packed with locals ; who would have thought we would ever see an A4 taking water at Twyford !!! Great stuff. Making a strange sort of squeaking sound with the exhaust on leaving. Try to get vid up later to see if anyone knows why.

 

Okay, departure from Twyford water stop. 4464 Bittern at Twyford water stop 5July2012 Cathedrals Exp - YouTube

 

I've noticed it sort of whistling / squeaking through the exhaust before. Strange but seems to be no problem.

Brian

 

[video=youtube;pxQXYriPRKg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxQXYriPRKg[/video]

My footage of her speeding out of Didcot through Moreton Cutting. Wish she'd been running a bit later, maybe then the sun would've come out of hiding.

 

Have noticed that as well Brian, but it seems to go once she is opened up. I noticed it particularly when last year during a difficult restart and on recent videos on initial start away from stop - does not seem to be an issue and must just be one of those things due to the set up of the exhaust at slow speed and small regulator opening DH

 

Bittern leaving Oxford heading past Hinksey yard.

View attachment 5051

 

Good photo, Campainr, very unusual; new against 'not so new' eh

 

Thanks Pete. If it had been Tornado, then you could compare the old fashioned diesel to the new steam loco! :smile: