RTC Christmas White Rose 20/12/17

46100 working the returning RYTC 'Christmas White Rose' through Newark Northgate station

https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/39179796481/in/dateposted/

 

I booked myself on this trip purely because I had never been hauled by 60009. When the Duchess was cancelled for the return leg, the chance to travel behind 46100 was also a first.

Here's the A4 looking resplendent outside the NRM.



Both legs of the tour ran smoothly, no unscheduled stops or delays. 60009 was late off Peterborough but made up the time easily before York. There were periods of fast running and the sight of both locos passing through Doncaster at speed must have been a treat for anyone watching.

As 60009 pulled away from Peterborough I could feel each individual piston stroke for a brief period. Then came a smooth surge of acceleration achieved without any noticeable effort from the A4. It was like this each time either of the locos pulled away from a stop. On the return leg we sat in Eastfield sidings for a scheduled 55mins while the Scot came off and the diesel coupled up to the front for the final run to Cambridge.

A decent trip, but could have been so much better unaided.

 

The years final chase - another 400+ mile day but completely worth it given the performance of the A4 on the run North. Until Kylchap’s comment above I assumed the diesel was purely there for ETH as there appeared to be no help from behind at all!

 

Crackin shots there

 

'Whistling' through Grantham just a few minutes late..........

 

60009 passing Bullpit Lane crossing Balderton,just after the restart from Claypole Loop.

 

Steaming out of the mist at Turves, between March and Whittlesea.

Then on the ECML north of Newark, the church at South Muskham can been seen on the right.

 

Wonderful shots and videos. Thank you to the relevant posters.
It looks as if Riley & Sons have done another good repair job. There doesn't appear to be any signs of steam other than from the Chimney and safety valves.

 

Sorry just picked up this thread been away over Christmas. Great videos Will RL, thanks very much for posting.
I saw 60009 on Stoke Bank she was going well but the diesel was definitely pushing a bit though not too obviously - there was no sign of diesel exhaust for instance. They picked up several minutes on schedule on Stoke which would imply a bit of assistance?
The A4 sounded wonderful though - quite reminded me of some of the Peter Handford recordings from the '60s.
All the best everybody for the New Year - wishing us all good shooting and video-ing.