LE Movements, ECS and Test Runs 2017

I was going to speculate that they would drop her off at Preston to run back to Crewe, but then discounted that is it removes the highest speed bit of the test, the sprint up the WCML to Carnforth, but looking at the times on UKSteam, that is exactly what they are doing.

Looks interesting operationally as it will be brave to send her up the WCML from Crewe on her own as the first run without any running in, especially in light of all the criticism laid at BIL for being tested in exactly the same manner on a secondary route, so will the diesel possibly be the IoS one?

 

There’s always a risk in sending steam unassisted. In this case there’s a deisel heading down to meet the loco at Crewe which’ll either drag the loco and support up to Carnforth or sit at the rear. It’s worth pointing out though that Royal Scots first mainline moves, albeit following a couple of months running in at the SVR, were a deisel drag from Kidderminster to Crewe followed by a light run E+C to Carnforth a few days later. Yes 45231 hasn’t been as operational as perhaps hoped, but it has run a test fairly recently when it left Carnforth for Crewe.

As for operators, LSL have only just got their license and are focusing on route knowledge before testing I would imagine. I’ve only known DB to test 34052 (34046) for the company on its come back last year. Apart from that the relationship between West Coast testing LSL’s fleet seems quite strong with both 34046 and 46100 inaugural mainline ventures. All the best to 45231’s return.

 

Ah that makes sense, assume it will act as tail gunner or else it makes the light test bit superfluous

 

5M50 running today...?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P90398/2017/11/10/advanced

It may only be to Hellifield and only run the 5M51 route. Any ideas? Would be surprised to see BIL, considering the awful weather.

 

Does she only come out when the sun is shining ??!!!!

 

FS in claypole loop

 

Maybe Wilpshire bank in heavy rainfall and leaf season on a loaded test run may be a bit much for her

 

Why they would take a tail gunner, for insurance.

 

Whatever it is, it's VERY quick and 104 early at Clitheroe. Not steam?
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P90398/2017/11/10/advanced

 

Dunno, I know they do use Carnforth - Hellifield for diesel tests but cannot recall a loaded test round the loop with a diesel, them tending to be out and backs with 2-3 fellow diesels as ballast?

 

Loco is 37516 with three coaches and generator van 6312. I assume the aim to test the genny. AN

 

FS at tallington

 

Trundling through Grantham en route to Norwich.

 

Possibly prior to use on the Santas?

 

seems to have dissappeared into scotch mist on Trowse Swing Bridge !

 

they did have the bridge the right way round didnt they?

 

FS got back to York this afternoon

 

Just had an e-mail

21/11/2017 - 5z60 - Heywood Gf (ELR) to York via Carnforth

Any idea what this is ? U of SA ?

 

Yes, if it's fixed in time.

 

Whats up with her???