The Dartmouth Express 08/06/19

Nope. Too much risk of a diesel on the rear. Friends went to Westbury to join and have been put on a 166 back to Temple Meads. Bloke said an engine failed. Can only assume it's one of the T&T 47s so they can't reverse there as there's a picture of No9 on the Marsh this morning with a caption 'Almost ready to head for Sunny Devon' on their Faceache Site.

 

So direct Reading to Bristol? Maybe no DL on the back then? Are we going to be in the wrong place?

 

Yes was told to get the 0910 from Westbury to Bristol tour already ahead having gone round the curve apparently, this 158 doesn't have a Dartmouth Express headboard on though

 

As RTT is down at the mo, could someone be good enough to remind me departure time from BTM please?

 

RTT's up and working. 1023 departure.

Down again.

Back up again. No.9 off the Marsh at 0945.

Train on P12.

 

Real-time working all OK in Majorca !! 47.802+ 47.826 top 'n tail avoiding Westbury station. Train on time. Due to depart Bristol TM at 10:23.

Beautiful weather here in Majorca but no good for main line steam. (BJ)

 

Thank you! (Still down for me)

 

Train away RT - NO DIESEL.

Going well friend on train texted: Yatton 74; Worle 76. Load 11.

 

Arr 1114 Taunton. Taking water.

 

Thanks for all the replies, managed to catch up leaving Bristol....

https://www.flickr.com/photos/163779836@N03/48023525686/in/datetaken/

 

Into Whiteball Tunnel at 47.2

 

Long Ashton without diesel.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/albums/72157708985171593

 

Hell's Bells it's getting overgrown there.

 

I was surprised how close some of the branches were to the line.

Had intended to drive down to Yatton, but left home too late.

 

So you were on it ! By the time we realised there would be no diesel it was too late to get to BTM.

 

No, friends are and John's texting me speeds. Generous 75 down through Tiverton Parkway. Held at NA for XC. Being banked up Churston by the PDR's Class 37.

 

Near summit above Torre, under 2nd O/B at 24.6 but then big slip down to 23.7. Decent for big wheeled pacific.

 

Exeter St Davids pass 17.8; Cullompton 13m55s, 68.1; Tiverton Jn. 16m, 65; Tiverton Parkway 17m 50s, 67.1; Whiteball Tunnel In 21m 5s, 58.9. Down the bank, Wellington, 74.7.

 

Very enjoyable run on No9, pricey day out but well worth every penny!

Broken 47826 was attached on the back at Taunton, presumably once at Guildord its got to run round and then run round again at Reading? Unless 826 is able to run back.

Running late on the set downs, noticed we weren't doing anymore than 75mph, but wasnt aware that 47802 is limited to 75mph

 

No 9, under the control of Spike Hodges pulling into a weed strewn platform at Taunton. Very pleased to be able to have a run along the sea wall at speed yesterday evening before the commencement of the Devon version of the "Berlin Wall" later this year