Steam Dreams 2021

Well, it got to Eastleigh just 8 minutes late where the "River" was waiting having got there from Swanage a minute early so all looks OK so far.

 

And 31806 passed a misty Sway at 0944, 5 late, leaving a trail of steam!

 

And the sun came out in Portsmouth.

 

31806 leading the train into Southampton Central en-route to Brockenhurst with 61306 on the rear.

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Nice shots. Good to see the U boat out on the Main Line. Couldn't make it out for this today so glad to see the coverage on here. Only just had my second jab last week so I am being cautious at the moment with the Delta variant going around.
Anyone know what is going on with the smoke deflector on 31806? Looks like it has got a bit hot or greasy?

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Going very well at Mortimer this morning.

 

Quite a large local turnout to see the comings and goings in Portsmouth.

 

Good to see you back out again!

 

Not sure what it was, but this was the other side on arrival in Portsmouth. Looked to be where there steam was rising above the cylinder.

 

Thanks Will. I had to blow a fair bit of dust off the camcorder!

 

The U's activities meant this was the first time I had left Purbeck for a railway reason since mid February 2019, but one not to be missed.
A few from my very limited chasing of the tour.
Posing for the Swanage Railway official photographer before the offat Swanage. I recognised Dave Hewson not sure who the other WCRC crew member is.
Pausing and departing Wareham LE. The infamous foot crossing being prominent.
Heading away from Southampton
"Rocking and rolling" on the rear at speed heading away from Beaulieu Road.
Finally Mayflower leading the tour through Beaulieu Road.

 

At the end of the day 31806 departing from Eastleigh towards Romsey and eventually Swanage.
Taken with a phone camera which explains the odd focus effects.

Cheers, Neil

 

The U crossing Fareham viaduct and climbing the 1 in 150 towards Beaulieu Road on the outward run, and at Boorley Green on the return.







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Here's my footage of the U Boat no. 31806 heading the train with Mayflower at the rear. I decided to just film the U Boat in action. I filmed her at Swanwick, Ashurst New Forest, and Hedge End Stations Respectively. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

There are snifting valve which are clearly shown in this picture on either side above the cylinders beside the smoke deflector. There appears to be a bit more steam passing through them as have been in the past, hence the effect and resulting mess on the deflectors being more obvious

 

Thanks for these. Great to see the U out on the main line. You did well with the picture at Fareham (Wallington) Viaduct. The sun poked through and you got some exhaust, even though I don't think it's actually going uphill at this point. The only time I managed the combination of both sun and exhaust on 46100's trip to Portsmouth last Wednesday was at this very spot. I found it surprising to be the only photographer at this location. It's a classic shot and thankfully not unduly spoiled by the modern street light

 

Thanks for that. I wondered what was going on. I don't remember it doing that when it was based on the MHR.

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The milky mess on 31806’s smoke deflectors was caused by the deflectors being coated with steam oil to give an extra shine. For the benefit of everyone who demanded the smoke deflectors be refitted after the period in service without deflectors.

 

Duck oil is much better for that purpose