Pannier 3650

Come and say hi, I won't bite, promise. I turned 3650 yesterday to run bunker first so will be driving from the platform side.

 

3650 won't be operating on Wednesday (27th) I presume?

 

Yep that's correct. Not sure what's rostered Wed... if it was 3738 (needs a new brick arch) then it could now be 3822, or they might ask us. I'll know more tomorrow (Mon) when I turn up for 3650's "B" turn.

3650 is now facing London again so if you want to say hi, you'll have to shout at me across the footplate... My fireman's name is Derrick, you could say hi to him (that'll confuse him, strangers calling him by name).

 

I've just got back from a good day at Didcot, 3650 looks amazing with the work stained look!.

It made a weird combination with the Auto Trailer.

3650 + AutoCoach:


3650 Light:

 

It needs to run for another year in that livery and not be cleaned!!
would look superb at foxfield and up on tyneside!!

 

I totally agree with you mate, its way to clean still !

 

Running nicely this afternooon. Just starting to smut-up. Mind you, I think that's mainly due to running alongside FireFly, which seems to kick out enough soot to grow carrots in!

3822 going well on the main line too. You can get proper noise from a small-wheeled freight in 1/4 mile ;-)

Still, my daughter loved Thomas (3650), travelling in a wagon (FireFly), and Donald (3822).

Neil.

 

About 8 posts ago I mentioned that with the exception of Fire Fly, Didcot doesn't have a "what loco's are in steam" part of their website. It looks as if they've addressed the situation at last and are announcing a loco roster a month at a time.

http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/events/loco_roster.html

Nice pics 37422 - that would be me driving.

 

You have answered my question before I even ask it! Hopefully see 3650 etc. 27 or 28 September [-o<

 

I shall be at Didcot Saturday 27th keeping an eye on 3650, but am rostered driver for the Saturday evening photo shoot and again all day Sunday. Come and say Hi.

 

Hard luck, you have got me again on the Sunday, and I will be waving during the day on Saturday...

 

I suppose you will be waving at the engine driver then..... \/ \/

 

I suppose I could just wave back and ignore the hand signals?
Better not, he might be very sparing with the shovel Sunday, then we won't be going anywhere! [-(

When are you coming up for a go gz3xzf?

 

Can anyone confirm that 3650 will be working at Didcot this coming weekend (subject to any last minute problems, of course).

 

Will put my head in 8-[ , I am hoping to get some filming done, so, are there specific times for things like using the turntable or is it just pot luck (I'm arriving about midday)? (I've only visited on non-steam days before now!)

 

I think if you read the posts above and below yours you will find this has been already confirmed.

 

Ok....
3650 is operating both Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th, also as Sidmouth says, a special photographic charter steaming on the Saturday evening until 22:00 (for details of the evening event, PM Sidmouth).

As for the daytime steamings, 3650 will be operating on the main demonstration line, and should be operating from the time the gates open. There's usually a lunch break for 45 mins, but as I havn't seen the timetable yet, I'm not sure if we are early or late lunch as they always try to keep one line running. 1338 is the branch line loco and Fire Fly is running both days. http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/events/loco_roster.html
Depending on what the timetable says, there is usually a short break in the proceedings either immediately after lunch or mid afternoon, where 3650 will take water, and may well take a spin on the turntable and maybe even take coal. Although I can't guarantee this, that's the usual format on open days with a tender loco, but may be re-written.

The best option of being in the right place at the right time is to come and say hi, as I'm driving both days, and I will be able to confirm the days events. Just ask, I don't normall bite, although adverse comments about blue panniers and kahki 53's may result in a swift tap on the head with a shovel, gauge frame spanner, or whatever comes to hand first #-o (considering the 53 carries lee-enfields, you'll be getting off lightly)

Hopefully see you at Didcot.

 

I'm trying to work out if I can save the cost of the stamp on my membership application and deliver it in person over the weekend (stamp 30p train fare £13 - :-k ). Sadly the photo evening - attractive as it is - is out of the question as I will have no 1 son in tow - staying late is beyond a 3 year old, and coming without him will lead to him withdrawing my right to read him train stories at bed time!

Not sure which day if at all it will happen, but if we do make it, and I'm allowed that close to the loco (little fella is still a bit wary of large hissing machines!) I'll try and say hello! As the "blue one" (sorry!) was definitely favourite last time I don't think we'll need educating with the spanner!