The Swanage Belle 11-10-12

70013 reported down Putney nearly 7 early. Held at the signals.

Hope this weather improves, got to run to the station in Winchester!

James at SVN

 

Heard a whistle in the distance (perhaps around Barnes Bridge) several minutes before it went through Chiswick station at 0913 - and at some speed.

Although the forecast London rain held off, the light was very dull and grey, so not the best pics:

The Swanage Belle at Chiswick 1

The Swanage Belle at Chiswick 2

 

70013 past Pirbright at 1022 on Victoria Swanage about 8 late. Thanks to Peter Lovell. <BJ>

 

Still about 8 late on departure from Winchfield. Very wet conditions but a faultless departure up the 'hill' with no diesel on the back.

The driver of 70013, not sure who he is I'm afraid, gets the power down as the train leaves Winchfield today in pouring rain:

 

Excuse me, 70013 isn't allocated for anymore tours on Ukstaem.info. Is this it's final mainline outing for the year?

 

Yes, off to the GCR for winter maintenance and an intermediate overhaul.

James at SVN

 

And boy has it been busy there as of late!

 

Oliver was still a couple of minutes early away from Branksome this lunchtime in an almost dry spell (very brief!) and accelerated briskly down Parkstone Bank

Tangers was on the up trip and about 5 late over top of Parkstone bank but what a climb on a damp horrible evening! She is in good nick at the moment and certainly was going great guns and very loudly this evening and without a slip as far as I could hear - worth getting damp for!
Dick

 

Yes a good climb of Parkstone bank especially considering the conditions, the highlight of the return run! From 20mph at Poole, we reached 42 on the level bit and fell to a minimum of 30.5 on the 1/60. It was a bit late because of problems with flooding somewhere and the power being shut off delaying EMUs. More time was lost on the near impossible schedule between Bournemouth Central and Southampton loop 31mins doesn't allow for a bridge restriction between New Milton and Sway, or the very slow approach controlled entry into the loop. The result was we lost our good pathway up Winchester bank and we were checked at St Cross when the preceeding train stopped at Winchester.
I'm still waiting for a clear run up the bank, must have had one somewhen since 1967!
Andover

 

Glad to hear 34067 tackled Parkstone in style. I was a bit worried after watching the very slippery start from Swanage. 2 big slips on starting then, many more heavy or gentle slips for about the first 1/4 mile or so. I was able to walk alongside from the shed and along the playing fields, such was the pace. It then found some grip and accelerated steadily, with only 1 more audible slip. Continuous drizzle and wet leaves causing the problems. With Parkstone surrounded by trees beyond the station, I was a little concerned so, good to hear of the successful climb.

 

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As featured on Steam Age Pictures Vol 42: "Mainline 2010 – Southern & GWR Locos". Shots at Wardour, Yeovil Jnc, Upwey (2 locations), Shawford, and Winchester. It was a memorable day.

 

The rear coach (at least?) sounded as if it had 'dragging' brakes on departure from Swanage. This would not have helped Driver Hewson's attempts to get the train on the move up the 1 in 105 incline starting around Swanage Engine Shed (about 100 yards in front of Tangmere) and continuing for about a quarter mile.

 

Driver Cox will be pleased with your comments.

 

Only just managed to catch up with this thread, thanks for the update Peter.