Hammersmith 150 & Chesham 125 (Aug)

Bad delays again today due to signalling problems at Aldgate. First one from Moorgate about 15 late at Hammersmith but 1058 left on time with lots if thrash. We are now chasing by Circle Line

Don

 

Went underground for the second weekend, three shots, Notting Hill Gate, Portman Square, and Baker Street. Very much the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The last one may well have been a visual disaster, but is an audible treat, and the camera can not capture the effect of being there in that spot. I am still combing grit out of my hair and eye lashes.

 

Sarah Siddons leading on the final run through Turnham Green tonight. Right arrow from first image for Met No 1 at the rear:

Depot

 

The noise in the first shot is pretty incredible too, as the "chuffs" echo off the overall roof. And I like the fact that random people are all obviously getting their phones out to take photos - including the lady from London Underground in the first shot!

Even though this is effectively year two of this operation, and even though I've known for ages that it was due to happen, I still can't get over seeing a 100+ year old engine and carriages powering through the underground tunnels ... Absolute credit to London Underground for making it happen (and all the partners who have contributed rolling stock etc).

Tom

 

The last one is actually really visually interesting as the steam envelopes the modern stock. So atmospheric.

 

It's the stock that does it for me, I prob woulden't hardly look at the pics/vids if it was MK1's or the 4TC, perhaps the nearest we'll get to a vintage train on the mainline now.

 

Was that the first or second run from Moorgate?

If it was the 2nd, then I was on that!! Right at the business end.

The noise as she blasted through the tunnels was something else.

And the looks on peoples faces........................... there was one Japanese woman on the the platform at Kings Cross absolutely dumbstruck - eyes & mouth wide open & frozwn to the spot as we sailed through!

 

Love that video. That last shot was great. A different perspective. It was a bit like Ghostbusters 2!

 

It was the 10:58 (late) Hammersmith > Moorgate

I then went on to film the ceramic poppies at the Tower.

 

Photographed that at Royal Oak.

 

I was on the third Moorgate-Hammersmith-Moorgate run today. Judging by the exhaust sounds, No. 1 did hardly any work when at the back, and all the work when at the front -- which is a noticeable difference from the January 2013 runs. Now looking forward to Chesham next weekend.

 

That I believe was what was meant to happen - and oh boy what a symphony on the way back from Hammersmith.

As for the 2013 runs, she wasn't 100% was she - so some assistance would've been needed! Now the repairs to the steam pipes have been done properly, she's back to her best!

As for next weekend, I just have to work out where to go a see this.

 

Dropping Down by 5944, on Flickr

Workshops by 5944, on Flickr

Couple from today. Plenty of photos of No.12 in sun, sod all of No. 1 in sun! Rest of the collection at...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/5944/sets/72157646260976466/

 

Blimey, thats a good shot from Steptoes yard!

 

Agreed, it's amazing that this could be done in 2014 when you think about it. The thing that got me was how the smoke hung about in the tunnels. Was on a circle line train following no.1 on one of the trips to Moorgate and got off at Kings Cross, the air was still thick with it - which unnerved some members of the public who didn't know what was going on . Makes you wonder what it must have been like in the 19th century.

I assume all the stations have fire alarms, did they therefore have to turn them off temporarily?

 

Ultimately where there's a will there's often a way and that's as true for Network Rail as TfL - don't forget that in recent years we've seen the return of regular steam to Euston and New St, a near non-stop run for a Top Gear race, 90mph operation for Bittern and a wooden bodied Steam Railmotor being used on the Looe branch.

Chris

 

Yes Al and unaffected by the FBU action. But will we see the heavy hand of NR next weekend?

Don

 

I think Marylebone to just short of Harrow on the Hill is NR but doesn't everything from Harrow to Chesham belong to TfL? (With running powers or whatever is the modern equivalent for Chiltern.)

 

Yes, I saw her too, she seemed to be mouthing "What on earth............" as we went by.

John