The Royal Duchy 2016

My footage of yesterday's run. Seen at Cogload Junction, Stoneycombe and Hemerdon, the highlight of the day. Having chosen Coombe Fishacre over Hemerdon on the last run, I wasn't going to miss her up there this time. She didn't disappoint. Happy days!

 

G'day and for those who want to find out how the big pacific actually went and not just how it sounded, read on...

Cornish Riviera Express 28th August 2016

A typical Bank holiday Sunday at Bristol, cloudy and damp. We must have missed the Duchy as a relief Cornish Riviera Express bedecked ex-LMS Duchess backed on to the west end of a train. Still our tickets were valid so we joined the train for a ride to Plymouth. How times have changed. We looked around and hardly saw anyone we knew on the platform. A few years ago all the timers and diehards would have been there. They certainly were on The Mayflower of 27th October 2001, the only other time we did the Duchess over the South Devon Banks.

The relief left Bristol on time in a fairly leisurely manner. Flax Bourton summit was topped at an ordinary 43 and we didn't exceed 63 on the way to our pickup at Yatton. Due to the fairly gentle running with 9 coaches and the now customary gentle braking on the Taunton approach, we just failed to do an even time for the Yatton-Taunton leg (59.7). Speed didn't rise above 70 on the level until Brent Knoll, and we only just got to 75 west of Bridgwater. Not the usual sparkling run we are used to, and to make matters worse the outward timings still had the not required 24 minute locomotive change at Taunton factored in. So we stood there for over 20 minutes.

Actually I think we did change engines as the departure was accompanied by lot of noise and rapid acceleration to the foot of Whiteball. The gradients are below 1 in 370 for the first six miles and we sped across Victory LC at 57, then Bradford -on-Tone LC, 3 miles out at 60. The Duchess gained speed noisily up the 1 1/2 miles of 1 in 174 (66) and we hit a maximum of 71 on the short 1 in 170 through Wellington. The 'real' bank started at MP170 where the gradient steepened to 1 in 90 for a mile, met at 70.Speed fell slowly to 64, partly due to a slip on damp rail, and then to 57 over the 3/4 mile of 1 in 86 onto the final 3/4 mile of 1 in 80. The rain had turned heavy as the Duchess attacked the final 3/4 mile of 1 in 80 but there were no slips as speed fell to a minimum of 50.8, marginally faster than the 7th, as we entered Whiteball Tunnel in a decent time of 12mins 39secs. Speed picked up rapidly over the summit and reached 75 down the 2 miles of 1 in 115 before we braked to go into Tiverton Loop for water and wait an age for our diesel and a couple of service trains to pass. When we looked back at the timings, if we'd watered in Taunton, there might well have been an earlier open path to Plymouth.

As it was, we left on time and sped down the bank towards Exeter. Hele and Bradnich LC was passed at 75, a speed held down over Stoke Canon LC before we braked before Cowley Bridge Jn (51) and drifted into Exeter St David's, our final pick up point. After a decent departure we just made the 70 mph 'Exminster Challenge'. Star Cross was passed at 68; Dawlish Warren 67; Dawlish 55; Teignmouth 42. We approached Newton Abbot at 49, and passed MP214 in the station at 41.

Once clear of the station speed things got serious up front and speed picked up over the gentle mixed grades to 51 at MP215. We passed the site of former Aller Jn Signal Box, MP215 1/4, at 53. Even eight back the sound was superb as the Duchess began her attack on the succession of tight reverse curves (Check out Steamclips' sequence on Youtube. Shows the reverse curves brilliantly) and ever steepening gradients. We met the first 1/4 mile or so of I in 98 at 57 and our speed fell slowly to 49 over the 1/2 mile of 1 in 57; to 45 by MP 217 after the short 1 in 46/56, and to 40 after the 1/4 mile section of 1 in 56/41. This took us onto the final reverse curve and the steepest part of the bank, 3/4 mile with short sections of 1 in 41/49/36/44 where speed fell to a low of 32.3 as we entered Dainton Tunnel, slightly faster than the 7th.

The signals were green through Totnes, the station passed at 58. (End of sections speeds are in brackets on the bank). The 4 1/4 mile climb to Rattery Summit starts under the bridge outside the station with the first part 3/4 miles of 1 in 66 to MP224 1/2(51); next was 1/4mi of 1 in 71(50); a 1/2 mile+ of 1 in 47(44); mixed 1/2 mile of 1 in 50/56/47/57 to MP225(40); then 1/2 mile of 1 in 52 to Tigley, MP225 3/4(39); a 1/4 mile of 1 in 52/74(37) then the gradients eased to 3/4 mile of 1 in 90 to MP226 1/2(40.5); and the final 1/2 mile 1 in 95 with a short kick of 1 in 65 to MP227(39.5). A better climb than the 7th and as No7 said earlier in the thread, close to the best set by the Duke.

The gradients aren't really significant after MP227. Marley Tunnel was entered at 43 and Wrangaton summit topped at 51. Had a chat at Plymouth with the two 'timers' I knew and our summit speeds were virtually identical.

We had an eventful run back from Par to Plymouth as 47580 had brake problems. We had a sudden full brake application on the approaches to Lostwithiel and then stopped in both Lostwithiel and Bodmin Parkway stations to check and reset the brake. Fortunately all was well but we arrived over 10 minutes late. Despite this we were ready to leave with safety valves lifting at our booked time - only to be delayed for 10 minutes by the late running Paddington.

So, what did Hemerdon hold for us? The Duchess slipped and slithered over the crossovers into Mutley Tunnel and then accelerated hard and noisily. Tavistock Yard, 3 miles out, was passed at 60. With plenty of steam on the safety valves we met the first 1/2 mile of 1 in 41 of Hemerdon Bank, MP241 3/4 at 57 and came off it at 52; over the 1/2 mile of 1 in 47 speed dropped to 44, and then it seemed to go all wrong on the front. We expected the Duchess to be really opened up as we hit the tough mile+ of 1 in 42, but it didn't happen. Speed dropped to 37 over the first 1/4 mile, and then despite a lot of noise, fell back rapidly to 23.3 at MP239 3/4, the 'timers' summit', some 10mph slower than the 7th. The gradient eased and we passed the 1 in 51 Gradient Post at 23.9. The climb continued at 1 in 51 for about 1/4 mile and was 26.2 by the just visible 1 in 89 Gradient Post. There's a further short stretch of 1 in 75 before the 'stated summit' at MP239 1/2 passed at around 34, though the GPS did flicker there. Speed picked up to 37 at the top of the 1 in 630 past Hemerdon Sidings.

Then there was Dainton. Unlike the 7th there was no water stop at Totnes. The Duchess was opened up and sounded superb as we charged through the station at 59. Our speed fell to 56 at MP222, the end of almost a mile of level track that took us to the base of Dainton, a longer climb eastbound with similar ever changing gradients and tight reverse curves. A mile of mixed 1 in 254/118/lev/153 saw speed rise to 53; next was 1/4 mile of 1 in 78(50); then a mile of mixed 1 in 205/120/227/86 to MP220(53); a mile of level, 1 in 206/75/105 to MP219(45.8); a 1/4 mile of 1 in 55(43.8); and then the 1/4 mile of 1 in 65/38(39.1) delivered us onto the final reverse curve and the 1/4 mile 1 in 38 to MP218 1/4(32.7). This was followed by a 1/4 mile of 1 in 43/37 to MP218 1/4(29.5) and the short easing to 1 in 130 into the Tunnel where our speed was 28.9.

It was pretty much a regulation run then to Dawlish Warren; Aller(56); Newton Abbot MP214(55); Teignmouth(54); Dawlish(26). We drifted into Dawlish Warren Loop where we waited until the Paddington passed us. Starcross was passed at 50 and Exminster at 61. We stopped to set down passengers at Exeter but again we were denied a tilt at the Whiteball Tunnel challenge (70 mph + in) by the water stop in Tiverton Loop. That's not to say the climb wasn't entertaining. Cowley Bridge Jn was passed at 40; 2 miles of 1 in 620(52); 3/4 mile level(55); mile of 1 in 217 to Stoke Canon LC(57); mile of 1 in 685d/271d/500d(55); 3/4 mile 1 in 343(62); 1/2 mile 1 in 435(62); 3/4 mile 1 in 243(63); 1/2 mile 1 in 219(62); mile of 1 in 313d/534d/level to Hele and Bradnich LC(67); 4 miles mixed gradients to MP181 3/4(67); 1/2 mile 1 in 284 to Cullompton(67); then we braked for the loop.

After we left the loop, speed rose quickly to 43; a mile of 1 in 216(42); 1/2 mile of 1 in 405 to Tiverton Parkway(46); 3/4 mile of 1 in 242(49); a short 1 in 162(51) onto the 2 1/4 miles of 1 in 115(51.1); a 1/2 mile of 1 in 212/203 to the summit(53.3); into the tunnel at 54. A good climb with the Duchess' unique exhaust note echoing around the cuttings. Our maximum down the bank towards Taunton was 74 near Wellington.

We left Taunton briskly crossing Cogload Jn 4 1/2 miles out at 66, but surprisingly our max was only 72 mid way to Bridgwater(69); Highbridge(70); Uphill Jn(73); Worle Jn(72); Huish LC(71) with speed held around 70 to Yatton approach. It was a lively noisy departure and speed increased at a decent rate over the 2 miles of level track(50); mile of 1 in 545/471(56); 2 3/4 miles of 1 in 334 through Nailsea(60); 3/4 mile of 1 in 387(62); Flax Bourton Station, 1 in 146(62); 1 1/4 miles of 1 in 200 through Flax Bourton Tunnel(61); Flax Bourton Summit, 1 in 234( 61), a good effort after the Yatton stop. As has been noted earlier in this thread, our run into BTM was botched by Bristol Panel and we finally arrived 29 minutes late.

Huge thanks to Nigel for ensuring the Class 47 was not attached to the rear of this train in either direction. For us it was money well spent. We know of Nigel's love for LMS locomotives and many thanks to the PRCLT for letting the magnificent Duchess do battle with the South Devon Banks again. She certainly didn't let him or us down putting in some fine climbs, particularly of Dainton in both directions and Rattery westbound. Doing anything on the 18th or 25th of September guys? Surely she deserves another crack at Hemerdon???

Not sure exactly who the full WCRC crews were or 'who did what'. On the outward I believe Andy Taylor was our driver with Chris Birmingham his fireman. I didn't see the TI but there was a rumour of a bit of turn and turn about driving. On the return our driver was the redoubtable Pete Roberts. Simon from the Duchess' Group seemed to have fired but I didn't recognise the TI. Thanks to them all for providing us with an excellent day out. It's been a trying year but the Duchy never fails to provide superb proper steam hauled days out. Long may it remain so. Whatever the cost of a ticket it's worth it.

 

It will be interesting to see what happens on the 25th September given that the final tour has been pushed back into the official 'autumn' period where load reduction applies. The new NR loads book says max load 7 for unassisted class 8 steam between Newton Abbot and Plymouth from 15th Sept-31st Dec (reduced from 9 the rest of the year).

 

If Cromwell is available with Andy Taylor and Pete Roberts as drivers the precedent exemption should let it run with 9 as long as there's no actual serious leaf fall.

 

Just noticed that the RD trip on Sunday 18th isn't listed on the TTC site anymore. I wonder whether it is full, cancelled or postponed? Any ticket holders on here?

 

Postponed until 2nd October. No engine. Duchess on 2nd so steam Bristol to Plymouth and return presumably. Dark all the way back from Plymouth - sunset 1852. Not good date really and I wonder if Nigel will pay for light engine moves for the diesel again???.

 

These are guides not tablets in stone. Agree should run with 9

 

Maybe just run it to Plymouth and back, so everyone gets the Devon Banks in daylight !

 

RD 25th September cancelled . 70013 not ready. I give up on the RDs this year now and going to book the trip with 5043 on 8th October

 

We're stuck with the 2nd October probably as it's a postponement from the 18th. We're on the 8th. Got to do Castle up Sapperton.

 

What a brilliant idea. Having lived in Cornwall for 12 years, I would suggest that those in Cornwall have no interest in this train venturing over the Tamar in October. "It's winter, so 'bout time you grockles left us to live our Cornish lives on our own". So, yes, finish at Plymouth and enjoy the tour in daylight for most of it.

 

Well I'm the exception! Any opportunity to enjoy main line steam without a 100+ mile trip to see something is lovely!!

Besides we only get a handful of stuff happening down here...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

Fair comment. Very fair. Mind you, I suspect Cornwall has seen more steam than where I now live near Woking. This must have been one of the worse for steam for in many a year up here in Surrey.

 

Not been said here but although UK steam says 70013 for the 2nd Oct the postponement letter from RTC says 46233.

 

Welcome back to the west country Duchess of Sutherland.

What a superb locomotive. <BJ>

AN UPDATE. Thanks to 'UKSTEAM'.

46233: Bristol-Plymouth-Bristol

 

There was a rumour on Tuesday that there would be a diesel on the rear as it's in the leaf fall window. Anyone know if that's true?

 

Is there one 2moro?

 

As an invaluable guide, Uksteam will answer your question/s. <BJ>
http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs16.htm#twk

 

There's no path for a diesel from BTM-Plymouth or return on Sunday. The 'new rules' are being applied despite there being no leaf fall yet. Bit pedantic. Feel sorry for the 'proper steam' lovers who are booked on it. They won't know until the day unless they read NP or browse OTT as there's no mention of the diesel assistance on the e-ticket letter needless to say:

The Royal Duchy : Sunday, 02 October 2016
Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton, Taunton and Exeter St David's to Plymouth or Par and return.
We have great pleasure in confirming that we will be steam hauled from Bristol to Plymouth on the outward and Plymouth to Bristol on the return by 46223 Duchess of Sutherland.
For operational reasons concerning the turntable at Par the sections from Plymouth to Par on the outward and from Par to Plymouth on the return will be diesel hauled. Please accept our sincere
apologies for this change.

Timings are:

Outward
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54651/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54652/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54652/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54646/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54653/2016-10-02

Return
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54650/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54650/2016-10-02
http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U54655/2016-10-02
There are both 'stops to change locomotive' and a 'stops for locomotive to run around train' code for the stop at Plymouth.

 

Hmm. In South West Trains land leaf fall season is 10 Oct to 12 Dec when service trains get a bit of padding in the schedules.
Not sure about Great Western.
Have timed plenty of good runs over South Devon banks in October. Back in 1995 the Shap Trials took place in early Oct, and possibly best steam run I have ever timed (KGX - EDN, 60163 + 13) was on a dank drizzly day in Nov 2010.