RTC 2021

After repeated warnings from the BTP about trespass on the Main Line network when viewing Flying Scotsman I find it unbelievable that the people in the video still think it is wise to wander up the side of the track from the foot crossing. It only takes one person being hit by the A3 to stop Main Line steam completely after so many warnings. It has become so much of a problem 60103 has been fitted with video cameras. I know if I was part of the footplate crew I would not be impressed with people looming out from the side of the permanent way especially when the train is travelling at speed.

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Do you know what mechanical state she was in? Sounded a bit off beat at times I admit but it reminds me of a trip with 60009 about 40 years ago. Coming south from Aviemore she was well off beat until the driver found the "sweet spot" of regulator/cut off combination and then she sounded a different loco.

 

The ones involved with her maintenance did not make the decision that it was in a fit state to run. That would be the person who did the FTR exam.

 

The regulation for a 100mph railway is to stand at least 1.4m from the track ( I wouldn’t want to be that close), on a 125mph line it’s 2m. It’s also mandatory to acknowledge the warning whistle by raising your right arm. No one did that and one idiot was much closer than 1.4m which must have been a concern to the driver. If you look carefully, someone on the footplate is making a gesture as the engine passes, I don’t think it was a friendly wave!
The mass trespass that we saw when it first returned to the mainline thankfully doesn’t seem to happen now but even this degree of invasion needs to be stamped out

 

Pointing out the obvious here…

The regulations you state do not apply to anyone who just fancies a different viewpoint. Regardless of arm signals, they shouldn’t be there.

 

I know, even a professional railwayman shouldn’t be trackside unless he is required to be because of their job. I just meant an acknowledgment would be a bit of a reassurance for the driver.

 

RTC/WCR/Tornado are on Channel Five at 8pm today.

 

The company Brightspark who filmed this episode asked me if I would capture Tornado near Northallerton around 7am but with a 4am kick off for me I politely declined

 

He's rich enough Ralph

 

Next weeks times are now up on RTT

Bristol to Chester - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64311/2021-11-13/detailed

Chester - Bristol - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64318/2021-11-13/detailed


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Looks like it should cross 6233 somewhere between Moreton-on-lugg and Leominster.

Good luck to anyone who can get the shot!

 

Incase anyone interested the following trips timings are on RTT:

The Cheshireman (44871) - 20th November
The Christmas Sussex Belle (44871) - 25th November
The York Yuletide Christmas Express (60163) - 27th November

No sign of the Gloucster and Cardiff trip on the 23rd with Duchess yet!

 

Thanks.

The return times are there for 25th but not the down times from Victoria.

 

Interesting - the trip on the 27th to York is diesel hauled from Barrow Hill to York and return. Likewise Steam Dreams' trip to York next Thursday, steam only south of Donny RMT, diesel hauled from there to York and back. NRM out of action for servicing?

 

On the 27th, looks like 60163 leaves the train at Barrow Hill and isn't coming as far north as York.
Edit: RTC website confirms this, 60163 hauls the return from Barrow Hill too.

 

Not enough time to turn & service the loco at York I believe.
Although from past trips however long you have is always about 30 minutes too short.

 

Here's a shot of 60163 at Llanfihangel Summit this morning. Load 12+Class 47. Class 47 on Notch 1. 60163 not being worked hard.

 

Went for the distant 'arty' autumnal shot - but the sun didn't stay out long enough.