Torbay Express Season 2012

I was in the mysterious coach X doing sound. Had the permission of the SLOA train manager which annoyed one of the stewards - "carrot top" - immensely. The run from Exeter to Whiteball was amazing but as you say, the regulator stayed open. The guys with the stop watches became gradually more excited as speed rose. When one declared we'd reached 95 I asked him if his stop watch was throwing a fit. The answer came in ever increasing speed readouts until the maximum was achieved. Simply amazing but o for that extra 2 mph. Another tasty bit of the run was the acceleration away from Uphill Jct., electrifying. Came down to earth with a bump though when number 9 stalled on Filton Bank and the crew resorted to hand sanding to get going again.

 

Debatable if it's even possible descending Whiteball while staying on the road.

 

Any news on the loco for this week's TE?

 

Got chatting to a chap at Bristol TM today who reckoned 70000 will be back in time. 71000 moved to Eastleigh today and is based there for the forseeable future.

All the usual terms etc... don't shoot the messenger

James at SVN

 

Thanks for pointing my error out, Bifor01. My only excuse is, I was trying to multitask. Better brush up on my proof reading also.
Posted in correct thread now. Well I think so!!!!

 

This is the Torbay Express thread, not the Royal Duchy.

On another note, any further suggestions on the loco for this week's TE?

 

70000 expected to work l/e to Barton Hill later today, dep Didcot 14:40 and due Barton Hill about 16:00. I take she's moving in preparation for the Torbay on Sunday...

James at SVN

CORRECTION: 4464 in steam at Didcot Railway Centre. She is to work to Barton Hill later today.

 

Hmmm... Glad Bittern will be on the TE, it's a good change from the "standards" which have pulled the other trains. Hope she performs well!

 

First A4 on the TE for 7 years? Finally someone has seen sense!

 

My last trip on the TE with an A4 was 29th Aug 2004 wiht No. 9. In those days the load was limited to 9 coaches. Looking forwards to Sunday!

 

Agreed but annoyingly I can't make it this week.

 

Well then, i'll be sure to bring my GPS and Camera.

 

Am visiting Devon this Sunday for the TE, and although I was looking forward to 70000, 4464 will be a welcome change. I will be seeing the TE at either Starcross or Dawlish on the outward run, Paignton and Goodrington while on the servicing run and at Tiverton and Taunton on the return. If you are around, please come and say hi (tall, brown hair, red headphones and external microphone on the camera).

Anyway, hope the day goes to plan, I seem to remember 60009 did well on the banks (even with just 9 on), so 4464 shouldn't have too many problems. I wonder how the A4 will look with the rake of Mk1s in choc and cream...?

James at SVN

 

Well it kind of has the support coach to match! I look forward to seeing your footage, it will definitely be a change to have an A4 on a Torbay again!

 

It'll be fine on the Mainline bit, though I woulden't be suprised if the 25 buffers up to rear for the run up Goodrington if it's wet.

 

I think 60019 had the 25 on the back the last time she went to Kingswear, and even then she slipped her way to the top. I think the weather is good for the weekend, maybe showers on Sunday morning but nothing serious.

James at SVN

 

Correct. 25 in the rear.

 

Nick, To complete your records the TI was Ian Davies.

 

Better than this. <BJ>

60163 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!