Saphos Trains 2020

Some images of mine from yesterday. Locations are -: Nutfield, Eastbourne, Bopeep Junction and climbing towards Ore Tunnel. Didn't appear to be any diesel help as it passed me but I think it cut in as it entered the tunnel. I don't think any single loco could lift that load on that sort of gradient from a standing start

 

Assistance might have been confined to Mount Pleasant and Ore tunnels, but it didn't do much in the way of propelling the train, just kept it moving up this difficult section. It could have been all too tempting to just notch up and sail through at 25mph, so kudos for using the backup sparingly.

There are videos of it passing through Ore Station on the upper part of the climb with no discernible assistance, although there might have been some haze over the diesel as it emerged from the tunnel.

 

Some crackers there John, I have to say that I do like the ‘Jarvis Pacifics’

 

Thanks, I couldn’t resist going out for a Southern engine on Southern territory. A pity that the Hastings main line is now just a green tunnel

 

Very nice photographs John.

Hasn't most of the southern region become a green tunnel? <BJ>

 

Thanks, a lot of it has but they did clear some of the banks around Kent, Sole St and the climb from Walmer are still clear. I think some bright spark decided if there are no trees there will be no Autumn leaf fall problem!

 

It was good to meet you at Nutfield yesterday, John. (I was standing next to you) It was a close run thing with the sun, but your picture from the crossing looks good. Thanks for posting the photos.

 

Good to meet you, although I didn't know it at the time!

 

Was their intention to replicate an MN plate? Maybe it's just their standard one which bears some resemblance to it? It includes a BR-style(-ish) lion on a totem format, and I imagine they use it on all their locos.

 

Video from a very nice day chasing Braunton on Thursday. Nice to be back out and about doing something enjoyable again. Locations Nutfield, Eastbourne, Normans Bay, Ore - the 1 in 60 with nothing from the diesel at the rear, and finally Hildenborough. Some photos to follow. Thanks to everyone involved in running the tour.

 

Bit late to the party, as they say, but here are my contributions from Thursday's tour. Thanks to all involved...

 

Photos from Thursday, Nutfield, Eastbourne, Normans Bay and Ore...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157713120676907

 

Thanks for the shots at Galley Hill. Passing through I wondered what the shots were like.

Cheers, Neil

 

Anybody know when Saphos are going to release their 2021 programme? I'm sure somebody said here late August.

 

Is there any prospect of Saphos operating north of Carlisle next year?

 

You'll have to wait and see.

 

I realise there are no tours at the moment but the Saphos site still says you do not have to wear a mask.
I understand the argument that they are a hospitality environment (although do not personally accept that) but as I understand it now the law says you can only remove your mask to eat or drink in hospitality settings. So on the basis that even those dining do not do that all the tour, what "exemption" from UK law is being claimed now?

 

Having recently travelled with them I felt very safe in the environment of the carriage. You do have to wear a mask when you are boarding and alighting from the train and also whenever you leave your seat. You can of course wear it all the time if you so wish.

Dave B