61306 - Norwich to Windsor 11/02

Likewise. I had thought about popping out for a little trip after work, as I've never done steam in or out of Windsor. Oh well.

 

I guess we are (or will be) lucky they got the outwards leg in, this was a mighty big ask for a loco first time out on the big railway. Far too ambitious.

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55226/2015/02/10/advanced

Light engine move from NNR to Norwich on Tuesday night.

 

Five hours in Windsor is a bit of a stretch at any time of year.

 

Its fine in Spring, Summer (as long as you get away from the tourists) and autumn, but yes 5 hours in Winter could be a long stretch.

 

Nah, it's a cracking place if you know where to go. Cab to the Vansittart Arms for starters.
It's an idyllic place in the Summer too. Just cross the bridge into Eton and you can have a lovely time.

 

Having spent many years working on the outskirts, I would not like to return for five hours.

 

You could always visit Slough.

 

Assuming the weather is nice as forecast at the moment, take a gentle walk up to the Copper Horse, you'll probably see the deer herd along the Long Walk, and the views are amazing once you get up there.



Fairly short stroll from there to Bishopsgate and the Fox and Hounds.

I hear they have some sort of castle there that you can visit too

 

You mean this old gaff?


That old copper horse looks a bit further away though when you start the long walk!

 

That made me laugh.

 

61306 was part of my growing up when it was at Hull Dairycoates. I used to be sick to death of seeing it, all grimy and covered in soot.
Ironic really as I am now looking forward to seeing it again!

 

Alas, I now have a funeral to attend on that date, so my filming plans have gone to pot. Some dead people can be so inconsiderate.

 

Has 61306 winter maintenance been finished? Not seen any reports of her undergoing running in at the NNR yet...

 

True, then you would really appreciate Windsor.

 

Apologies if I've missed this but…the Steam Dreams website states: "Mayflower will be operating on the main line for the first time in over twenty years."

While Steam Dreams chairman Marcus Robertson told BBC Radio Essex yesterday: "It's not been on the main line for 25, 30 years."

I've read the history online of Mayflower being withdrawn from service in September 1967 and the subsequent journey to the present North Norfolk Railway.

But does anyone have the exact date and details of that last main line operation?

Incidentally the Radio Essex live interview was, sadly, all too brief - barely two minutes - and rather superficial in terms of questions, even for a general listener.

IE: "Are you able to go on it at all?"

To his credit, Mr Robertson, who the presenter Tony Fisher introduced as 'Robinson', did his best.

Both mentioning the train was fully booked and making clear on two occasions that the return trip was diesel hauled.

Also pointing out the diesel being used was 60 years old in itself.

For those who want to listen via the BBC iPlayer the item starts around 2:24:56 into the programme here.

 

Just listened to the radio clip. Don't you just love the smell of diesel!!!!

 

I can't actually see a lot of utd info on the engine, even on the facebook page, but worries about maintenance etc shouldn't be a factor surely or they wouldn't let her out on the mainline. Fingers crossed for the tour, she has another real test soon afterwards all the way to Cardiff and back, which at the moment seems to be scheduled single handed ! I wouldn't think anyone would bother about a diesel in company to Windsor, sensible insurance aswel as the need for sorting out the turn around

 

Twitter Post Yesterday from the Stratford 47 Group, 47580 will be on the back to Windsor and only providing assistance if requested by the footplate crew.