The Great Britain XI - 2018

Are we assuming that Nunney Castle will only work trips for Saphos in future?

 

I think it will be the same for 70000, 46100, 34046 and 45231?

 

That would be good.

 

Thus will not 6024 also be limited in its operation?

 

There seems to be a rumour doing the rounds up here that BIL is hauling the Grange - Crewe leg tomorrow? Any truth in that?

BTW what are the passengers doing today as the weather is absolutely dreadful in the Lakes!

 

Carrbridge
GBXI by Henry Elliott, on Flickr

 

35018 Garsdale
GBXI by Henry Elliott, on Flickr

 

Sun dipped this time
GBXI by Henry Elliott, on Flickr

 

1264 passes the Garden of Eden lol
GBXI by Henry Elliott, on Flickr

 

It's been piddling it down here (about 3 miles from Grange) for about 2 days now! I assume said black engine is Leander, not sure anything else fits that bill.

FWIW a boiler looked to be having a steam test last Thursday when I passed, couldn't tell what it was as could only see front tube plate and about 1 ft of barrel when I passed, the same source who suggested BIL for tomorrow has also hinted that they are already working on Lizzie.

 

Has anyone got any suggestions for filming locations along the HoW? Couple of us have been sat in the pub for hours and have come up with nowt...

 

Is Llangunlo viaduct still an option these days?

 

Alas much of the H of W is a green corridor, but it does open up a bit around Penybont common. Park on the main road by A488 and walk across the common to areas of raised ground (be careful, boggy underfoot!), there used to be a telephoto shot available of the train leaving Dolau and heading towards Penybont tunnel. One for video rather than stills. Knucklas viaduct is the other obvious location, but again many trees have grown up towards the tunnel.

 

I have heard that the STN for Friday has been issued within Network Rail. (PRIVATE and not for publication etc...) The formation from Swanage is -
Steam loco 98513 (45212) + P.O.B. + 10 Mk 1 DB coaches + Class 37 (Max. speed 60 MPH)

After the grief suffered on Parkstone bank a few years ago and a weather forecast of 58% chance of rain for the morning, operationally it is the sensible move. Back in the day a class 5 would have probably been limited to 7 or 8 coaches up Parkestone bank without assistance. Let's keep out of the way of regular traffic and not cause delays. Then it is one less thing to pin against "heritage" traction causing delays and disruption. ( Just remember the angst when the then female chief of First GW sounded off about the disruption caused by steam tours? As a movement we need to avoid any repetition of that type of public proclamation.)

Yes, WIBN for 31806 or an Ivatt tank to assist up the bank, but we're in 2018 with a railway which despite so much modernisation still copes with steam traction.

Cheers, Neil

 

I'm heading for Knucklas high up, but other than that, it's slim pickings. There does seem to be a few foot crossings along the route, but not great angles.

 

Now you know sharing gossip and speculation does not go down well in certain quarters .......

 

When the hotel departure details for Thursday were given out onboard last night, it's supposed to be 45699 to Crewe and then 45212 Crewe to Cardiff. The little onboard timing booklet for both locos shows load is : Loco & POB + 10 vehicles + Class 37.

Dave B