LE Movements, ECS and Test Runs 2017

5 views18/05/2017 - 35018 "British India Line" with "Bodmin" nameplates on a test run from Carnforth to Hellifield and return, running slowly through Giggleswick Station

 

You wait ages for a Merchant Navy and then two appear at once !

Whether by accident or design both Merchants have had their first main line tests today. 35028 ran from Crewe to Chester and back earlier this evening and as I write this should all being well be heading for Chester again.

The Cheshire plan was graced with watery sunshine for the outward run seen at Beeston Stone Lock ( 24mm end of the lens but that little round building really does lean over ) The return was a little cloudier but the engine caught the light at Hargrave -- an hour later the lighting would have been stunning as the sun dropped into the clearer air to the west.

Scott ...

 

Confidence was obviously high because no back loco up went with it.
Those nameplates won't make inspection between the frames from the running plate during testing any easier. maybe they have quick release brackets.

 

35018 and 35028 on test on the same day:

 

I especially like the shot at Beeston stone lock

 

i dont know if it was by design, or just co incidence, but have two members of the same class of engine, not owned by the same organization ever had test runs on the same day before, i know riley's 5's have previously ran test together, i'm now waiting to hear that Crewe are now fast tracking Port line, and that Riley has got stuck into 35009

 

35022 and 35027 will have to wait for Blue Peter, so I believe. As for 35009, a report I read recently said that Mr Riley was "considering" (or some similar word with a hint of indefiniteness) starting on her next year when 47298 is complete.

Incidentally, talking of 35009, the above post got me thinking. If 60009 is to be retired soon, will its TOPS number become vacant? In which case could 35009 take it over. (sorry, slight thread drift here, but I'm intrigued about this)

 

British India Line on her light test run .

 

The guys at Carnforth must have been confident it was nothing serious enough that a 47 or 57 would be needed to drag it back like they did with 46115 from Wennington a while back Danny .

 

That's must be so Steve because more often than not a diesel goes to, which is understandable, so the MN must have done well up Cragg Bank.

 

The other factoid regarding the tests was that they comprised the first and last rebuilds.

 

Takes me straight back to Raynes Park in the 50s. What's that? Same with 34005 a bit later.

 

Re 35028, I'm pleased to report that our CME described the light test runs as "a complete success". Clan Line is now being prepared to enter the paintshop next week and the loaded test run(s) will then take place, and subject to no problems arising she will return to Stewarts Lane 48 hours later.

 

Does anyone know if any steam locos have been running on the North Kent Coast lines today? I have been told something sounding like a steam loco has been running between Margate and Whitstable but cant find any reference to it online.

 

It was very much considered Al, to the extent that a formal specification was drawn up and submitted for pricing. The issue was that we could get no certainty at all as to when "Clan Line" would be ready (such is the nature of major overhauls), and thus the charter would have to happen within the minimum timescale permissible - which is 14 weeks. Given that we've only in the last week or so got any clarity as to specific dates when the loco would be complete, test runs arranged plus fingers tightly crossed that no issues would emerge from the test running, the idea was a non-starter. The market - quite understandably - won't pay money for a trip which cannot stick to a specific date, and DBC/NR won't work on that basis either. Factor in the fact that the cost of running back to London as a charter came out as three times that of an engine+support coach movement, then it was a no-brainer.

 

All eminently sensible. This is a quite different situation from when the loco went to Crewe to start the overhaul, which of course was done as a public trip.

 

It does beg the question however if there is the opportunity to "think outside the box" a little and use a "ghost" path. In the case of 35028 for example agree a "Q" path which woulds operate at short notice and the loco-owners have all the necessary stock arrangements set up so that once it is known that the move will take place, those wishing to travel can be advised and join the tour.

It may seem impractical BUT I am basing this thought on the fact that

(1) The diesel enthusiasts seem to be able to both identify and join rare LHCS movements at very short notice

(2) I have known charter organisers find 40 + photographers to join a charter with less than 48 hours notice

On that basis is it worth looking to Network Rail (given the support of Sir Peter Hendy) for the creation of a small number of such "Q" paths able to be actioned at short notice and for willing participants to be identified and contactable ?

 

On RTT the Carnforth - Hellifield - Carnforth path has been "de-Qd" for tomorrow. BIL? and Leander?