Welsh Marches Express - Cardiff: 27/11/16

So far from the Lineside the box has assisted heavily. That 25 Late departure from Intl has ruined any hope of th3 Fives taking the whole train on its own ! The diesel was working hard up the 1/80 out of New Street understandable as there was two service trains up its rear. Colwall diesel was assisting and finally Llanvihangel the diesel was assisting again. Hopefully everyone on board is enjoying it regardless.

 

Yes, all very pleasant. Noted a few speed irregularities on the climbs south of Hereford.

 

That's lunch sorted then !

 

I have read elsewhere that one is considered more sure footed than the other, I have also read that 5407 is the owner's favourite and with it tucked in behind the lead loco he is able to drive it. Either, both or none of the above maybe correct!

 

I suspect the owner's preference may have something to do with it but I've certainly photographed several occasions where 45407 was leading.

 

A quick shot of the pair topping Llanvihangel summit earlier.

 

The night time storming of Abergavenny was the highlight of the day so far ! Not a lot from the rear either !

 

My shot of the Black Fives powering through Colwall with the backdrop of the Malvern Hills and with the 47 in idle. Enjoy.

 

Bloody good climb, hair and table covered in ash flying through quarterlights, and it seemed like hellfire. A few happy passengers from where I'm sitting in the carriage.

 

Full effort from the Fives up the Lickey with some stunning fire glow on offer. The 47 was assisting well, which was expected and took nothing away from the duo.

 

I can't believe the Pheasant was still there at International at the end!, almost like 44871 was proud of it's bufferbeam trophy

 

I presume that's an alternative to it being well hung?

 

Are you sure? A previous post said that during trials on 6/3/1955 44776 successfully restarted a seven coach load on the incline so is it not unreasonable to assume that a pair of 5s could take 5 each?

 

Also there is a difference between working Mr Riley's engines hard, and "thrashing" them. Unassisted up the Lickey particularly from a standing start would involve considerably more effort than with some banking assistance.
Ian needs to manage his engines. I suspect he doesn't mind his engines working hard within reason, but thrashed, certainly not.

Gone are the days when there were another 800-odd Black 5's spread around the system.

46118

 

I acccept all the arguments but I'm sure the two fives would have got up there. After all,Tyseley's two panniers took 8 up unassisted from a standing start in 2014.

 

Another good show up front from Riley's Fives with plenty of noise and power ! The 47 provided assistance here and there but nothing that was to overpowering apart from the Lickey which was expected. Abergavenny on the return was special and the sound up the Lickey was super and no one could take anything away from the pair as they lighted up the night sky ! Hope you enjoy my account of the day.