Welsh Marches Express - Cardiff: 27/11/16

Unbelievable !

 

Time to find a new watering firm for WCR ! Good job it's a Sunday and not a Saturday !

 

New Street is bloody freezing, but sticking with the gallows humour for now!

 

You are a fine fellow judging by your passion for steam in your posts.

 

Trains Illustrates May 1955 P213. On two Sundays in March trails were conducted on the Lickey incline with unbanked trains of considerably greater weight than the present maximums (90 tons ) with which a engine can take unaided. Three assents were made by 5MT 44776 on 6/3/1955 and three by jubilee 45554 on 13/3/1955. Trailing points and trap points were locked for the trails. 44776 had a seven coach load ,including dynamotor car ,222 tons ,and begin in mixed weather which turned to sleet. The start was made from Stoke works ,subject to 30mph thro' the station, and the climb was successfully made. The next test required three stops and restarts on the incline. At the first restart 44776 slipped violently but got away at the second attempt. The two other restarts were done with no trouble. .Not so with 45554 firsts trial the following Sunday ,although one coach heavier 252 tons, the first run with a flying start, was uneventful ,but on the first stop on the incline the Jubilee became bogged down .Four attempts to start the train were made but the train returned to the station. This seemed to give it a second wind as it stormed away from all of the stops ,with no slipping on the second test run. The third test for both engines ,from the station ,was from a standing ,which both engines managed the incline with no trouble.

 

Perhaps not. But allow me to suggest that 2 class 5's will not pull its train plus a 47 even idling up that bank. I could be wrong of course but let's see what videos are posted so that we can see (unlikely) and listen for ourselves!!

 

Apologies. I am sure that how much involvement, for there will be some and possibly a lot, is needed on the climb. For example, what is the minimum speed that the train will be allowed to drop to before the diesel turns on the power. There is no doubt that the black 5's will be flat out but that in itself is not enough get over the top. The diesel will be needed. I can't remember when or where, but I do recall a You Tube vid of a climb of a bank behind a steam locomotive with a big load and a diesel at the back. Bank, what bank? It raced up the hill as if it did not exist. This is what we don't want later, surely?

 

"Anyway, don't worry; unless I am mistaken you are not on this one; I am, so it doesn't concern you."
I think that is very unfair on 1020 Shireman. Most of us are passionate steam fans and to suggest that just because we are not on the trip it "doesn't concern you" is just an inappropriate. It may concern us because it could put us off booking the next tour involving trips around Cardiff. I for one, and my brother, now only book steam tours which are, as near as dammit, 100% steam and based on today's tour, I would be reluctant to book a similar tour as this in the future because of the box.

 

Looking into my crystal ball this Sunday morning, I can see the Class 47 diesel failing at Cardiff. Decision made. The 2 Class 5's can take 10 over the Lickey and that is what happens!! Whoopee dooo! Time to head off to Blackwell. See ya!!

 

I've had a word with the Class 47 and it says it doesn't mind being called a box. In fact it said it would be rather called a box than a Shed and considers it has never been a Duff in spite of what some box neds say.
No boxes were harmed in the typing of this post.

 

Pulling away from Barnt Green.

 

He was dying to join the tour...

A nice, natural climb of Colwall. Now passing Tram Inn.

 

Superb out of Hereford at Haywood lodge bridge. 47 sounded like it was pushing a bit and slight slip as loks went under the bridge

 

That's lunch sorted for the diners then.

Always intrigued me, why does 44871 always lead the Riley fives in tandem?

 

Just 4 minutes late into Hereford. 6 late departure. The water tanker wasn't initially in the right location, having to come round into Barrs Court Road and put the hoses through the fence.
As I mentioned earlier, even with the lead engine right up to the platform starting signal, the rear of the train blocked access to platform 2.

46118

 

Number order?

 

hello
a few shots from international on saturday night and marston green this morning at www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/ or www.stevebottrill.zenfolio.com
regards

 

Newport 3 early.