'Torbay Express' 2014

Any idea what is on the TE tomorrow?

 

The chime sounded wonderful echoing around Bath this morning. Also shots at Dundas and thundering past Frome.

 

So A4's can now go both ways again under Dundas Aquaduct.

 

We'll find out tonight.

I have to agree with No.7, the sound of the A4 this morning around Bath was LOUD !! Wonderful stuff.
Afterwards I saw Tangmere on the outskirts of Bristol en route to Cornwall. A couple of lads asked me if West Coast crews have been banned from using the whistle? I must admit that DBS crews appear more enthusiastic when it comes to greeting the well wishers. <BJ>

 

Bittern stalled up Goodrington Bank today and had to be rescued by the DSR's 5239 on the outward run. Was fine on the return leg.

 

DBS, are well known for putting on a show ! I find WCR, can be unpredictable, when it comes to whistling. Example below of a DBS Performance.

 

Was it wet or damp, around Goodrington ?

 

No, dry as it can be. 4464 was on a load of 11 I think which is what done it.

 

Absolutely. Here is another example I shot at Twyford the very same day. Even the Station Manager was chuffed (pardon the pun - ha ha ha ).

Nick

 

Apologies. Here is the wonderful Twyford moment!

 

What are you saying? Rodney Tizzard is making a surprise "out of retirement" return to the mainline. I would just love that.

 

Looks as it is 5029 Nunney Castle next week for the final TE of the season.

 

Not a totally unknown occurrence with foreign locomotives on Goodrington Bank,

 

I thought it was DSR practice now to have Southern and Eastern loco's banked by the 25 ?, it isn't totally down to the crews as 6024, 5029 and 70000 regularly make the climb with little issue.

 

Has anyone got a video of it stalling? Would be interesting to compare with Tangmeres attempt a few years ago!

 

One of the outward trip in Sydney Gardens, maybe for the last time before the wires appear?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/64433281@N07/15053708210/

 

Took some photos below your viewpoint. Will try to post a link tomorrow.

 

If you ask yourself that question you might also consider saying, How often do DBS crews drive on the DSR? You have to think about the handover between NR and the DSR. Shunting down at Kingswear, turning at Churston and servicing at Paignton. Also light engine movements between the regular service train. It is much easier to get DSR crews to do this then as they they know it, instead of having to train up the DBS crews.

It really depends on the engine, the load, the weather and who the driver is on that particular day. Also timings, if a short turnaround is required then the 25 will assist up till Churston before the steam comes off and the 25 takes it down to Kingswear to do shunting work.