CME 15/07/17

Use the AMERICAN AIRLINES method!

 

Even though I have been the subject of moderator endorsed false accusations I would still be most appreciative of any honest and informative posts from well connected individuals. Just beware you shouldn't always believe what you read no matter how well known the source may be. The only abuse ever actually comes from folk who construe criticism of WC and leap to its defence.
It seems to me that rather than moaning about the state of things which apparently means certain pals refuse to post, time might be better spent setting up a private, invitation only forum so those people who all agree with each other can chat away merrily with their mates living NP to the grown ups who can debate things maturely. Perhaps it could be the WC appreciation society?

 

Happy to Alan, only none of the cohort of complainers seem big on taking things up directly.

 

Well, I am referring to your statement that "those who do have facts don't bother to post on here when their offerings are ignored". Whilst I am sure, as you say, there are people who for whatever reason won't post, the fact is that, as I have already said, quite a few do, and, importantly, when they have done they have been thanked or "liked" by many, thus rendering your statement simply untrue.

I see that Al has now asked people to move on from this, so perhaps we had better agree to differ on this one?

 

I see a lot of sense there lots of people on here spend their lives liking their favourite people but dont post

 

What a joy it is to read such a comprehensive, detailed, and absorbing account of the day's proceedings. Given the level of effort that must have gone into preparing this review, I feel that it is entirely appropriate to express my appreciation rather than just hitting the "Like" button and hoping that this will convey the right message of thanks.

I think that this forum is very lucky to get the benefit of the contributions that 1020 Shireman, and others like Sean Emmett, Oswald T Wistle, PJH Liners and more recently Mick 45305, make in describing the performances of locomotives and crews. This particular outing seems to have had all the hallmarks of being a true epic in one sense of the word and this report certainly feels like the next best thing to actually being there to experience the toil, and ultimately the success of this trip. And in context, I think the passing reference to the Cumbrian Fells Express is particularly apposite.

Most of all, the report certainly provides some much needed relief from the unrelenting parry-and-thrust of some of the more acrimonious exchanges on this thread and for that alone we should be grateful.

 

Slowly....

Loosing...

The....

Will...

To....

Live...

I see another thread has been hijacked with rubbish. I just wanted to see some pretty pictures and maybe read about a steam hauled run from people who were actually there. Not too much to ask?

Thank you @1020 Shireman for your excellent contribution

 

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. It does take a while to sift through the timings and match to the change of gradients etc and memories of the sounds from the front but I thought it was a train worthy of the effort. Few things can match the roar of a Jubilee in full cry but we could have done without the 8F-like 'barking' as we struggled up Wilpshire!!

 

Only just reading this thread for first time after seeing this video (not mine) which covers the actual stop. The content suggests the fire was clinkering up and had to be cleaned as the crew can clearly be seen getting out the fire irons. That suggests coal issues not loco/load issues. Hope posting the link quells some of the froth and nonsense.

 

If it were a load issue it would be foolish for the crew to stop her there, why not go a few hundred yards until the train was over the top?

Whats going on with the safety valves though as the wisps of steam would suggest she was somewhere near pressure, although obviously there was some issue to deal with, ultimately people will draw conclusions which reflect their entrenched views.

 

One theory could be that the water level was too low to go over the summit. It happens. Stopping there is good loco management.

 

That was my first thought I must confess....

 

Low on water, you see the injector go on.

 

From a video I've seen the front half of the train was already over the summit. If you look at Johnnew's post it looks as if most of the train is over the summit

 

If it is known in advance then dropping a coach and advising customers of a cancellation is not unreasonable. Many businesses have problems that mean changed impact on their customers. The important thing is how they deal with it and the explanation

That said, RTC and WC were quite happy to leave a whole host of customers stranded on Preston Station when their tour failed to stop because one coach had a problem and had to be removed en route.

 

If I were driver or fireman I would have been most pleased to get so far up the bank from a standing start at Whalley. It was a prodigious feat, the load being excessive no matter that 5690 is a good un.
Bob Meanley is too discreet to post but I suspect he would not countenance loading one of his charges similarly. We all marvelled at 5043 when it took similar after 6201 blobbed but Bob said it was an emergency exception in the circumstances. Possible yes, desirable no.

 

That particular run where 6201 and support coach were removed left 5043 with only load 11 too.

 

There's something awry with the sound when I try to watch that; just an occasional squawk and otherwise silence.

 

On YouTube the guy who filmed it apologises for the problem with the sound.