WHISTLING GHOST 3 13/06/15

Castle Class Earl of Mount Edgcumbe arriving at, and departing from Temple Meads this morning.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@ ... 4483161662

 

5 late leaving Bristol TM waiting for late Man - Paington voyager. 52 at mp 123 and 75 thro Nailsea but caught up voyager at Uphil Jn. Achieved 75 on level track around Fordgate. Now on WSR with Kinlet Hall on load 8, 5043, GUV and support taken off at Bishops Lydeard. Brighter down here and fresh air is being enjoyed.

 

Haha!!! I saw a few photographers there- I'm uploading my video a bit later- will be interesting to compare!!!

 

No chance of a fire risk today ! The damp always makes for a good exhaust !

 

Lot's of rain just as the forecasters predicted, so no fire risk and what is more, I have just seen this clip which includes 5043 on Whistling Ghost last year. Ten coaches certainly didn't hinder her climb of Old Hill Bank.

Is there still time to leave the diesel back at Tyseley, I wonder?

 

If the loads the same as the first Whistling Ghost, then it although it got up Old Hill alright, my impression from onboard was that there wasn't much margin for error, if the 1 in 51 was a half mile longer then it could have been touch n go.

 

Possible .....but probably not wise at the moment (West Coast). <BJ>

 

Back onto NR and away from Taunton 4 early. Cruised at low 70s across levels until caught Weston -Bristol Pkwy stopper. Accel to 52 on bank from 35 check without trying. About to leave Temple Meads.

 

Sustained 36 on filton bank from 42 at narroways. 50 before Filton AW but checked to 36 before Parkway. 58 before Westerleigh slack, then super run at 75 limit with min 70 on climb to Standish Jn.
However, now stood for over 25 mins waiting to get into Glos Yd loop for water. No explanations yet.

 

Signalling problems, apparently.

 

Temple Meads this evening.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/sets/72157654519643431

 

Here’s my video of the tour, taken at Cogload Junction, out and back, and on the West Somerset Railway at Stogumber.




and a couple of photos…..
http://www.railwayscenes.com/photos---2015---steam---the-whistling-ghost-3.html

 

Just heard 5043 departing Worcester and approaching Fernhill Heath. Really surprised, as the loco was quietly purring along with no apparent effort. Usually, the locos are roaring along on this section. Always great to see the Earl in action, a superb loco.

 

Sig probs at Glos Yd not resolved so we ran past tanker. Assume it took a while to bring fire round after long delay. Driven in economy mode but no more time lost. Now in Stourbridge loop waiting for diesel 47773 to be attached.

 

After a day working on 6024 King Edward 1 tender overhaul it was good to keep the Great Western theme going and see 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on the return Whistling Ghost III. The train is seen at Withy Road Huntspill.

 

My shots of Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and Kinlet Hall in action. Locations were Ram Hill, Yatton and Winterbourne for the Castle. Nornvis Bridge and Washford for the Hall.

 

Splendid ongoing updates of progress with the train Sean, always good to have someone on the train who knows what is going on and can give accurate and succinct report. Many thanks for sharing.

Cheers

Alan

 

A very good day on this trip, a pity Notwork Rail marred the the return,thanks to Bob and his crew

 

I got a similar view to the north of the station: