31806 and possible mainline use

Imagine it's easier to lead smokebox first into Pen Mill and turn it at the junction. That way it wouldn't need a 45mph path up to Pen Mill either and the only tender first element would be between Wareham and Weymouth.

(Out of interest, do they have to go right back to Weymouth to reverse and pick up the 'Up' line and signalling, or can they access the GWR route from the down line and crossover by reversing as soon as they've cleared Dorchester junction?. Is there a procedure that permits this?)

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

It is possible to reverse at Dorchester Jn, by using DR558 points with the route set from position light DR360 - down Weymouth to Up Main Reversible. It needs both locos to be manned if you're not going to delay passenger services with the driver walking along the cess between locos.

Cheers, Neil

 

Thanks. I was thinking when the loco went to Yeovil to pick up the GB so theoretically it should be just L/E.

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

Both locos have to be manned anyway as it is a Vac. braked train.

Peter

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52350/2018/04/13/advanced shows 5Z42 running 26 minutes early leaving Maiden Newton.

 

Should now be arriving at Yeovil Railway Centre almost 30 minutes early.
Let's hope all is well with locos and stock and will be ready for the return scheduled to leave at 17:00.

 

Very impressive climbs of Upwey and Evershot unassisted...

James

 

Thanks for your update.
Hope video(s) came out well.

 

Not my video. Upwey station

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk

 

Have no fear, the video will follow...

James

 

A couple of images approaching the tunnel. Sounded great, and seemed to wake the Wood Pigeons up anyway.

 

Anyone got any suggestions for a good place to see it at speed between Weymouth and Wareham on return?

 

nice to see a Southern mogul back on the "big railway" with green coaches in tow

 

Perhaps Moreton or Wool stations - but you might get 'bowled' by a SWR service if you site yourself on the Down platform of course.
Several crossings [foot and vehicular] en-route but don't know what filming restrictions there might be to viewing angles [like encroaching vegetation, etc.].

 

I'm going to try the level crossing at East Stoke (near the Stokeford pub). Decent visibility in both directions.

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

 

Duly serviced at Yeovil Railway Centre and departed for Yeovil Pen Mill.
Left YPM around 8 minutes early.

 

Hopefully 31806 hasn't had any adverse problems from her little jaunt up the main line

 

Scheduled to be towed by D6515 from YPM to Weymouth.
Consist arrived Maiden Newton 15 early [allowing 2V93 (17:53 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads) to pass] and now en-route to Dorchester West and Weymouth.
On that basis it would seem everything is OK [fingers well & truly crossed].
One more chance to conquer Bincombe Bank and then a 60 mph dash from Dorchester to Wareham. Easy peasy - I hope!
Certainly will be glad once it arrives back at Swanage.
EDIT
Now arrived at Weymouth and then shunted to layover in Jersey Sidings for (timetabled) 42 minutes. Possibly for watering and "a quick feel round" to check for hot bearings, etc.

 

Weymouth Platform 2 now occupied by 31806, and it's consist, ready for the second 'assault' on Bincombe Bank to return to Swanage.
Very cloudy here in Swanage so hope there's enough daylight for more photos and videos en-route.
EDIT
Left Weymouth at 19:34 [4 early] and passed Dorchester South 3 mins down.
It seems to have a clear run through past Wool and shouldn't catch the preceding SWR service - unless 31806's 60 mph limit is exceeded 'heroically'!

 

Great to see another U-boat out on the big Railway. Hopefully all went well. She looked to be in fine form in the videos I have seen so far.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk