Didcot 2999 Lady Of Legend events (April - June 2019)

I thought that it would be better to have a separate thread to discuss the events for the Launch of 2999 Lady Of Legend, rather than having the posts lost in a sea of discussion about the loco. If you want to talk about the loco go to that thread.

The events (so far announced) are:

• 5 - 7 April: Launch Weekend https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/...dy-of-legend/bc2632cf9a423c4a2cc730292aaf1116
• 19 - 22 April: The Impossible Dream feat. 2999 Lady Of Legend, 6023 King Edward II and Railmotor 93 https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/...ssible-dream/e68b34b853e0658bbf23ddd6b02b0fd5
• 7 - 9 June: The Hall and Saint feat. 2999 Lady Of Legend and 7903 Foremarke Hall https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/...ll-and-saint/4162c6cb45ffde6b8669d2c398390a16

 

I wonder if 2999 will stay in Didcot for the summer or have a holiday someplace? If so I hope it might be beside the seaside.

 

I really hope 2999 comes down to the GWSR at some point as well, like maybe for next year's Cotswold Festival Of Steam..

 

I don't know if they are planning to, but it would be nice if they ran the Saint on these weekends with some appropriate era coaches, such as the dean clerestory, non corridor toplight etc. Whenever I have been there you see the coaches, but never see them in use. I do hope to come to one of these days to see it.

 

Are they in a fit state to run?

 

The 4-wheel brake third 416, and clerestory 1941 have seen quite a lot of use in 2018, being regularly used behind Captain Baxter. Mainline & City coach 3755 is currently being repainted into something more in-keeping with this pair, so there shouldn't be a shortage of chances to see the Saint in front of some appropriate(ish) stock.

My understanding is that it will be staying at Didcot for the 2019 season. So, if you want to see it, you know where to go!

 

Looks like 2019 is shaping up to be a better year for Didcot. Can't wait to see 2999 in action :O

 

Loco roster for April is now up: https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/93/locomotive-roster/

5-7: Saint & Railmotor
19-22: Saint, King & Railmotor

 

The loco roster has been updated to the end of May. https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/93/locomotive-roster

2999's only running days in May are on the 25-27 with 1450.

 

My footage of 2999 Lady of Legend in action during 'The Impossible Dream' event on Good Friday in baking hot sun. Also featuring 6023 King Edward II and Steam Railmotor 93 and Trailer 92. Enjoy.

 

Very warm day again on Saturday, but the Saint and King performed well. Great to also have a ride in the Railmotor. My first visit to Didcot for a number of years and I was impressed. The site was tidy with everything displayed well. It is still an amazing (and possibly now unique in UK?) place to get up close to locos in an authentic setting. There were lots of families in attendance, who seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Pendennis Castle looks advanced and will steam in next 12 months so I was informed - although doubt over whether it will go mainline? Seems experience with King is it can earn as much (with less costs) visiting preserved lines, with no concerns over gauging - with hirer covering transport and coal.
It is hoped King can be overhauled quickly with a retube, with its low mileage meaning it is in good condition.

 

A most interesting place to visit again. Didcot is different to say the least. I saw the blue King when it was in South Devon but obviously not the steam rail motor and trailer or Lady of Legend. I guess that needs rectifying.
Everything looks in immaculate condition, no faded wear worn rolling stock. I liked the coal loading glimpses in the video in post 11.which I suspect is also unique now,

 

I'm too young to remember my first visit to Didcot I was about 2 or 3 (apparently it chucked down with rain and 70000 was there) and thought it was time to go back on Saturday and I really enjoyed it.

First rides behind the King (or indeed any King), Saint and Steam Railmotor all of which I was impressed with (when opened up a bit the Railmotor makes some great noise). Really is a great place to look around and explore and already thinking of another visit soon.

 

2999 Lady Of Legend pulls into the station at the top end of Didcot's main demonstration line to begin her day's duties today during the Impossible Dream weekend.

 

6023 alongside the coaling stage at Didcot today during the Impossible Dreams weekend.

 

6998 and 5322 outside the shed today at Didcot during the Impossible Dream weekend.

 

3822 outside the shed at Didcot today during the Impossible Dream weekend.

 

6023 on Didcot's main demonstration line today during the Impossible Dream weekend.

 

Inside the shed at Didcot today during the Impossible Dream weekend.

 

The May roster has been updated 2999 is not running in May. 93 & 1450 are operating over the bank holiday weekend.