RTC 2021

Outward full crew was Mick Kelly driver, Chris Holmes fireman and Matt Millar was the guard.

 

Burton Salmon in foul weather.

"The York Yuletide Express" 04/12/21.

 

Does anyone happen to know whether tomorrow's run is likely to be on the fast line from Woking? RTT shows it as using p4 at Woking, but also annotes that as SL (slow line). It also shows it as FL (fast line) at Byfleet and New Haw, which is impossible. The last 44871 run was on the fast from Woking, but it was significantly late.

 

Looking at post #449 in the Steam Dreams thread of the trip last week the signal at the Woking end of Byfleet and New Haw has a feather which was set for a move to the FL. A few years back I know there was a gauge issue at one of the stations before Woking on the SL.

 

A-ha! Thanks - I didn't think there was a crossover at Byfleet and New Haw, but it's the Woking side of the M25. I know at least some locos have speed restrictions at West Byfleet and Brookwood platforms (35018 at WB and 6233 at B for example) but I didn't know if 'Fives' have it. Maybe there is hope for another fast line pass at Brookwood. Thanks again.

 

The Birmingham and Shrewsbury Christmas Express -- times have appeared :-

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13628/2021-12-11/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13632/2021-12-11/detailed

If on time this and the Tyseley to Bristol train with 7029 should pass south of Aynho. And the return trains should pass in the same area -- what odds on that then !

 

Well, it used p4 but then left slightly late and lost a little more time owing to an absolute crawl across to the slow line at Woking Junction with the safety valve open all the way. Is there a steam restriction on that crossover - there didn't seem to be for anything else? No effort from 44871 at all leaving Woking until several train lengths' clear of Woking Junction. An oddly pedestrian departure on such a busy piece of railway but I'm sure there must have been a good reason. BTW, I hadn't realised that the speed restriction through p2 is 100mph (according to the PSR sign) - I thought the entire SWML was now no more than 90mph.

 

Great shot those siding look like they should be on an industrial line in the last 60's

 

Yes, the 600mm lens certainly enhances the imperfections! If you think they are bad you should see the down side yard:

 

Disruption at Salisbury. The 1V94 was held for nearly an hour. Hopefully 44871 will be on it's way soon. From Network Rail:
''A tree is blocking the line at Westbury towards Bristol Temple Meads, meaning trains may be cancelled, revised or cancelled''. <BJ>

Update: 67 mins late passing Wilton Jn.

 

The rain was just starting as it passed through Farnborough Main:



(The warm up acts are a couple of SWR trains, so don't think I've uploaded the wrong video!)

TTFN,

Ron.

 

There are plenty of 100mph sections on the SWML.

 

I note, too, the Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled.

 

I knew that there had been but thought, wrongly, that they had all been downgraded again. I wonder how many workings actually achieve 100mph. It was just an aside prompted by my noticing the sign immediately before Woking. I vote for special dispensation for 'Clan Line'!

 

Don't think the MNLPS Committee would vote for that - despite the loco being capable!

 

I turned out again for the up train and caught it speeding through Farnborough:



Ron.

 

44871 on yesterdays Bath and Bristol trip, seen at Egham, Freshford, Keynsham, Trowbridge, and thundering away from the Staines pickup at Ashford (Surrey):

 

Has the R.T.T. times been issued by N.R. and has anyone received their tickets for the 11.12.2021 Edinburgh Xmas market yet?

 

Is it this one?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U13638/2021-12-11/detailed