The Cornishman Express with Clan Line: 17/06/18

Probably as much due to the 'off train' ventures Al. Good to have an early arrival at Par for food choice. Some places still don't serve after 1400.

 

This looks like the return, but can't see outward yet :

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U62525/2018/06/17/advanced

 

Bit of a shame that the Bodmin Parkway Pickup (hope its dry) will spoil the Doublebois climb in Cornwall. And then there's the Tiverton Loop water stop on Whiteball. Presumably they can't water in Exeter St David's at Red Cow and then do a Taunton 'top up' if needed.

 

Clan Line ( and many other steam locos) is prohibited from platform 6 at Exeter St Davids.
Watering at Exeter St Davids and Taunton would cost two tankers, which would either affect ticket prices or the profitability of the tour for the organisers.

Cheers, Neil

 

Thanks for that.

 

Looking forward to this, should be one of the highlights of the year. I've not been to Par before, does anyone know if there is a viewing spot for watching the turntable activities? Looking at Google Maps it looks like there is some sort of road that runs adjacent to the yard, but I can't tell whether it's private or public.

 

Google street view shows the entrances to the depot area are all locked gates. The former round house is now leased as private storage space. From memory any view of the depot from the path alongside the canal is also obscured.

Cheers, Neil

 

Although gated, entrance is open 24/7 as taxi base in yard. Usually a good crowd 'fence hanging' around the table and usually no problem with access.

 

The outward has now appeared as well - http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U62522/2018/06/17/advanced

 

So, the 52 miles of the Exeter-Plymouth challenge is scheduled for 69 minutes out and 74 minutes return. The only previous single-headed runs I've had over the section have been with 70013 on 25 July 2009 and 12 August 2012.

In 2009, we were given 70 minutes outward, and we did it in about 68. On the return, we were given another 70 minutes and did it in 58.

2012 was a bit of a squib as there was a stop at Dawlish Warren.

I'll leave it at that.

 

Are we expecting load 9 or 10 ?

 

Load 10.

 

Really? That's good to know. Was expecting 8+POB. So will get some data to compare with Tornado at last. Have to go back a long time to find 46233 and 10, the only other engine to be allowed to take a 10 coach train over the banks single headed in 'recent' times. Having said that, we've only done 3 runs over the banks with Tornado:
TBEL 8th August 2009
CathEx 23rd March 2013 and
The Cornishman 29th May 2017. Weather not the best that day and no Whiteball Westbound as non-stop through Taunton.

 

I really hope this isnt what I think its is..Could this be an assisting loco from Plymouth to Par and return? It fits in with the times of the train and has the last two numbers of the headcode.. I hope it just stables at Plymouth as cover.

0Z50 09:35 St Blazey to Plymouth arrive 10:35 light diesel


0Z52 19:55 Plymouth to St Blazey arrive 21:00 light diesel

 

That depends on what you think it is; though you have answered your own question! This is the DBC Cl.66 that usually sits at St Blazey all weekend, being brought to Plymouth 'just in case' there is a problem either side of Plymouth. We're certainly not expecting one, but a sensible move nonetheless.

 

Somewhat controversial Al but I'm on your side !

 

Clan Line has passed her FTR, according to a post on the MNLPS Facebook page

 

Objectively, ignoring any partisan 'bias', there are good grounds for suggesting that the MN class is as close to the optimum 8P as could be, for today's requirements. Personal view.