The Great Britain IX

Thurso's a rather interesting development, even if 45407 can't join the party. The last time was with 48151, with steam both ways- although admittedly there was an overnight stop there.

I think there has been a re-arrangement of the timetable up north since the last steam run, with service trains now heading to Thurso before Wick (or the other way round), which probably inflates the timings a little.

 

I'm presuming that the diesel will lead from Georgemas Junction to Thurso with steam leading back?

I am intrigued as to whether 46115 will be available - could a jubilee substitute or are we going to get 44871 doing most of the rest of the tour?

 

Does anyone know what was on test yesterday?.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O88548/2016/04/27/advanced

 

I'm confused. How does this differ from what Groks212 posted?

 

The line

Once again, our apologies, but we are doing our best........but I have confidence in 44871 delivering what is required in the absence of her sister..

Was missing.

 

Thanks. Nothing to get excited about then.

 

0Z47 would suggest a class 47 Or other wcrc diesel I think.

 

37516 & 47746. Two locos were in steam, possibly including Leander which was in steam Tues. No sign of 46115. HTH, AN

 

In theory there ought to be plenty of locos available, a better position than in 2014. But it's a case of so near yet so far -- 46201, 46233, 34046, 45699, 45212, 45407, 70013 and we shall see with 46115.

 

Thanks then for taking the trouble to post this.

 

A beautiful sunny start for the passengers aboard the GBIX this morning for their departure from Bristol. The temperature was just above freezing point as 44871 departed on time.
The steam hung in the air as the train passed us at speed at Stapleton Road. The 57 was simply idling at the rear. A very good start to the day.

Thanks to everyone involved in getting 44871 back to running order. <BJ>

 

Is anything up with Galatea, although she apparently doesn't fit round the coast north of Workington? Worrying for tomorrow and later in the tour that 46115 has not shown her face on any test run as yet, suspect we will hear from one of those on the train later what the plan is for tomorrow and going forward, I would assume worst case the 8F could take the train round to Carlisle at least?

 

Happy days are here again......

 

The worst case? How about a diesel?

Compared to last year the tour has turned out very well so far IMHO. <BJ>

 

Has #477 been edited? It now has the same wording.

Edit: I have now realised that the next paragraph in #478 was part of the quote.

And a b----y good best it is! Nothing to apologise for.

 

Can somebody please explain why IR has such a downer on NP ?
Surely this latest post proves he has a great dislike with NP for whatever reason.
Please note that this bears no reference to his work or business, just the "unfriendly" way he posts on here.

 

To clarify in my opinion coupled eights on the mainline are not a 'worst case', I think 48151 being on the mainline is great stuff, it was actually more to do with speeds. Thinking about it, today will end with the 5 being at Carnforth, if she fits round the coast could Galatea not meet up with the train Carlisle or Lockerbie and DH to Edinburgh or work alone up to 75? - again all posted deliberately ignoring piffling matters of logistics and train operation

 

Ontime arrival in Hereford for the servicing/water stop.

I asked the driver about the coal. Sore topic! "It's from somewhere up North, sweepings off the floor, producing lots of ash". He further commented that the diesel on the rear was "needed".

The fireman was having to thoroughly pull through and clean the fire, and then empty the full ashpan underneath the loco leaving an impressive pile of ash and clinker. Fortunately the bay platform at Hereford has good access to one side of the loco, and to rake out the ashpan.

West Coast driver was a pleasant chap, traditionally dressed, and pleased to pose at a cabside window for the benefit of photographers. Nice touch that.

46118