RTC Flying Scotsman/Black 5s to Carlisle 23rd January

Amidst the celebrations of Scotsman the rarest event was missed...
A Riley loco failed !!
Even if it was only for a few hours before making a comeback.

 

I read somewhere that 45407 had an incident of operator error....

 

Whatever may happen from the ORR over the next ten days or so, the latest Railway Herald has raised another big question about whether Scotsman will indeed head this trip on 23 January:

" At the present time it is unclear whether the Pacific's planned inauguralmainl line run on 23 January will take place, as it will need to amass around 1000 miles of trouble-free running on the ELR, followed by the completion of light and loaded main line test runs, in order to be able to operate on a railtour"​

Is this set in stone? I seem to remember that the Duchess's loaded test run doubled as the Night Owl railtour from Derby to Crewe and back, but I suppose we must expect things to be much tighter now.

Oh dear.

Peter on another grey Manchester morning
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p932980164

 

I don't think it is set in stone ,non of Carnforths engines have a 1oomiles on them when they appear on the main line.

 

And that always works out well ........

 

Another item to be brought up by ORR I think, sufficient running in, after overhaul, before being let out on the mainline.

And before anybody says a FTR should suffice, everyone confirms running at 75mph, is a different beast to a trundle about at 25mph.

In 2015, there were plenty of examples of this, leaving punters disappointed, if the idea is to project a better product, this should be on the agenda.

At least FS will have a oilcan on the back just in case, one of the acceptable reasons for it being in situ.

 

Evidence???

 

Tyseley have nowhere to run there engines in except a short test track ,it is up vehicle acceptance body if a loco is fit for main line.Till Ian Riley says it isn't available this is just speculation.

 

Or if 44871 suddenly heads back to Bury from Grosmont......

 

Don't the heritage press get most of their 'news' from websites and forums anyway? A bit like the ORR and RAIB using YouTube

 

I had a ride out on the S and C yesterday on just about the first decent day for ages. Snow from about 1500 foot up and a good covering from 2000 ft. Penyghent in particular looked good. As far as I could tell, no TSRs between Hellifield and Appleby but then one before Long Marton, one near Armathwaite tunnel and one north of Low House where the line runs on a shelf high above the Eden --NR were working on the southbound track on that one.

 

Further to my earlier post and the discussion thereon, I have just received my eTicket for 23rd January from Railway Touring Company The first three paras read:

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express : Saturday, 23 January 2016
Manchester Victoria, Wigan North Western and Blackburn/Preston to Carlisle and return.
We have great pleasure in confirming that we will be steam hauled throughout by 60103 The Flying
Scotsman.
​

So RTC have firmly nailed their colours to the mast - great!

Peter in Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p932980164

 

I just hope this doesnt bite them on the derrière, the engine hasn’t had its test run yet, Someone said about the difference between running at 25 and 75 mph, does the ELR have a section passed for high speed testing? because after the problems with 60009's axle boxes, i would have thought most owners now would if possible use a preserved line to build up the mileage and that should include ecs hauled at 60 mph, to test breaking etc is right,plus should the un expected happen you have a workshop availible to undertake any snagging, Royal Scot did its running in, on the SVR, including high speed runs, and any problems could have been fixed at bridgenorth, compare that to stuck on the mainline somewhere with nowhere to effect even a get you home measure. i think NR /ORR would feel more confident about steam, if they knew that an engine had done some running in prior to being let loose on their railway.

 

Well this publication is an ASS!...reporting what it reads on tinternet, as nobody with the correct information has neither the time nor the inclination to waste time speaking to them?

The loco has been running-in on the East Lancs and any problems are being remedied as we find them. Mainline testing is scheduled for next week.

Whoever said "At the present time it is unclear whether the Pacific's planned inauguralmainl line run on 23 January will take place," does not know what they are talking about, merely a journalist trying to sell copy.............I will say when I am happy for the loco to be tested, not the gutter press!

 

Indeed!

 

And fix that bloody whistle before you let it out!

 

Terrible isn't it?..I have a rather nice Stanier Hooter back in the office.....