West Somerset Steam Express 2016

I spoke to the driver who said the plan kept changing and it was now coming with us. He did say they'd only use it if absolutely needed and only to take its weight. Lots of noise from the front so far and I've not noticed any assistance, although the diesel is quite far back.

 

They are probably being a bit cautious after 46115 had a TPWS fault on the ECS move after the Swanage Belle trip on Thursday. The same probably goes for yesterday with 34052 as she had problems in the morning. She didn't sound too healthy on the return run either from the videos I have seen.

WCRC were very sensible with 45699 on the End of Southern Steam trip last weekend. The Class 33 only assisted a couple of times on station starts when we were running late. The rest of the time it was being dragged by 45699 which was very evident by the sound coming from the Jubilee and speeds decreasing when 45699 was working against the grade. I am not a fan of boxes on the back but last weekend was handled very well.

 

Seen in Sonning Cutting this morning. Thought I'd better try a shot here before the knitting goes up!

 

Left Theale loop on time sounded magnificent leaving but alas I went with stills rather than video - to coin a phrase "Done it wrong again Dad!"

 

Whats the number of the 47.

 

Taplow

 

37716

 

And that diesel isn't assisting????

 

Racing through Iver this morning............. and guess what, you can't even see the b b box, thanks to the angle of the dangle!

Oh, and at that point it didn't seem to be owt other than taking its own weight.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/27724705163/in/dateposted-public/

 

Yes but thats the whole point isnt it,the train was running 4L (at Maidenhead anyway) so time needed to be made up?

 

Theres another WSE tour on next Saturday so hope it's 46115 again.

 

I saw it at Frome a few minutes ago, the 37 didn't seem to be assisting as it left the station. Here's my photo, sorry about the quality, I took it on my phone.

 

Lots of 70+ running since leaving Frome. Running 20ish late.

 

For anybody wanting the return times.

http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54508/2016-07-16

 

Sounds pretty quiet to me, something 37's aren't really known for!

 

I dont care if it is or it isn't really, as long as the crew are working the loco to the best of its ability. It certainly wouldn't have been going that fast that quickly from a start out of Slough, just being pushed by a 37 on notch one, now would it.

 

37706. (716 is a DRS machine.) HTH, AN

 

Sorry Typo

 

Assume lack of smoke over the last three days due to consideration of fields heaving with dry crops. Signs at Theale cautioning against the disposal of lighted cigarette ends.

 

No dry crops round here, dog still heaving into muddy puddles on our country walks.