60009 - The Cheshireman 08/09/18

Steam on from Norwich, and off at Peterborough on the return. That's some good mileage ! Any idea how many miles ?

 

Best estimate at this time of night 387.5 miles. This assumes Ely North to West Junction and Searchlight Junction/ WCML Down Slow on the outward.

For anyone wishing to scrutinise, I am basing this on the following breakdown of the separate legs
Norwich-Peterborough 81.7 miles
Peterborough-Nuneaton 70.9 miles
Nuneaton-Chester 81.9 miles (82.1 miles return)

Totalling 234.5 miles outward and 153.0 miles return as far as Peterborough.

Not quite the marathon (but only by just a few miles) visualised for next March's RTC York-Edinburgh-York "Edinburgh Flyer" at 410 miles, but not far off. UoSA is certainly aiming to prove, in its final year on the main line, its credentials as a true Long Distance Runner !

 

Reported departing Norwich 0655 on time, Load 11, no Diesel and Jim Clarke on the regulator. Looks to be on time into Brandon too.

 

Times here
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55392/2018/09/08/advanced

 

Signal checked after Ely West Jn. just after the A10 0836-0839. On the tail of a Freightliner.

 

Through Whittlesea 0938 17L

 

Just got on and settled at Peterborough and as I spotted him walking down the platform, I took the opportunity to thank Mr. Cameron and shake his hand for all the pleasure 60009 has given me over the years

 

Well done on that. Mr Cameron is a true gentleman in the steam world I think.

 

Another Jim Clarke, works out of Southall quite alot on steam and diesel.

 

[Not my Photo] Leaving Norwich this morning, showing a close up of Driver Jim Clarke.

 

He certainly comes across as quite the affable gentleman. I feel honoured

 

So is No9 stuck behind the Freightliner all the way to Leicester ?

 

I would shake his hand as well if I ever meet him face to face and say thank you for what you have done over the years keeping Number 9 and the Marquess running?

 

Quite so but spare a thought for Lord Garnock who saved the K4 in the first place.

 

A bottle of "Gravy Train Ale" is going down nicely now

 

I totally agree on that as well.

 

As we pulled into Leicester I spied a nice green 37 and a blue 56 - to whom to they belong?

 

Outwoods Foot crossing nr Hinckley at 1146. Few blasts on the chime and some lovely acceleration from the loco!