70000 - Welsh Borders 05/08/20

I can verify that the loco has reverted back to it's 70000 Britannia guise. I saw it approaching the top of Horfield bank in fine style.
What a fantastic start to the day.

The consist comprised of 11 coaches and a class 47. For the photographers amongst us, the mk.2s are at the front of the train.
The diesel was simply ticking over and in no way assisting. <BJ>

Edit: I've just noticed this message posted earlier on South West Rail Gen.
''47501 top 'n tail 47805 depart Bridgwater at 06:40. 47805 giving a shove from the rear''.

 

Found a video of the Brit going up Llanfihangel at llantilio Pertholey, so just under a mile into the bank and nothing of real note from the rear, though probably taking it's weight at worst ?

 

We were on the bridge at Llanfihangel. 47 not on tickover. Guess running on notch 1, nothing more. Sounded good, but not like a Brit would with 500+ tons on the drawbar.

 

Unacceptable, completely unacceptable. I’m going to write to the Daily Mail immediately to complain and I don’t care if they don’t read it.

James

 

Bromfield, north of Ludlow, going like the clappers, couldn't hear the 47.

 

Couple of shots near the summit at Llanfihangel this morning.

 

A shot of Britannia passing Sutton Bridge Junction Signal Box after just leaving Shrewsbury on the return to Bristol and Exeter

 

My footage of Britannia (reverting back from Tornado) in fine form over The Welsh Marches this morning. I filmed her at Lockleaze on Filton Bank, Abergavenny and Moreton on Lugg. Enjoy.

 

Some video of it arriving/departing Salop

 

Shot at Abergavenny from this morning included.

Sent from my SM-A505FN using Tapatalk

 

In failing light, The Brit on Llanfihangel this evening.

 

I spoke to one of the LSL crew members this evening. He was very pleased with the run today and the fact that bookings were close to the max allowed. He said that bookings for the double-headed run to Plymouth were excellent as were all Saphos tours!!

Good news indeed. <BJ>

 

Another 460 miles for the chase of this (I have now made half the miles done over the lockdown period since March chasing the return of mainline steam...)



Is it just me thinking that Britannia was maybe not pushed as hard as it could? The grades taken very easily

 

Ian, is that first shot Dorrington?

Many years ago when Brits were fairly common at that location I used to go to Sunday school behind the Abbey Foregate/Coleham viaduct featured in the second shot.

Nice third shot at Bayston Hill .

 

Ran to time very well - my point. To put that much work in on the equivalent of load 14 on the grades just surprised me

 

I think you'll find that was as much to do with water management with 500+ tons on the drawbar, especially between Bristol and Hereford on the outward. 70 miles with significant gradients with a locomotive that's a bit of a thirsty one.

 

Speaking as one who was quite close to the 47 all day at the rear of the train, there was hardly any assistance just notched on and taking its own weight I would say. The only real shovage was the very necessary banking out of the Severn Tunnel on the return following what seemed to be a spurious TPWS activation and stop right at the bottom of the 'hole'. Not a place you want to try and get away from unassisted. As regards, passenger numbers, I'd say around 40% of normal capacity.