RTC 'The Mancunian', 26/03/22

Did 71000 out of Euston diesel free back in the 90s.

 

With the help of Six Bells Jn looking back at steam runs in & out Euston there have only been 5 tours since 2017.

20/11/21 RTC Cheshireman 44871 with 57316 on rear, load 10. 44871 replaced unavailable 60163?
15/07/21 RTC Cheshireman 60163 solo, load 12.
17/05/19 SD Highlands & Islands 61306 with 47802 on rear, load 10. In only.
30/03/19 SD Worcester 61306 with 33025 on rear, load 10. In only. Booked to return into Euston but terminated at Harrow due to gauging issues.
25/11/17 60163 solo, load 14. DB operated.

Diesels have been common in the consist in recent years on runs with lesser powered locos. 60163 has had two diesel free runs operated by both WCRC and DB.

 

Seem to recall a Spoon at the back of the Doric Olympian in 2010. Fun times at Bletchley on the up run - I recall a points failure. Not sure what the ECS operation was in London, but it would have needed dragging into Euston for the departure. Still my only run with that locomotive. Euston appeared a fairly rare beast around 2010, which was why I did the trip, but like Birmingham New Street, it now seems to be seeing at least one steam trip a year. My only other steam trip involving Euston was with 46233 in November 2014 from Derby, which was a return trip.

Talking about difficulties, Liverpool Street is clearly difficult, particularly when things go wrong and there's an impending engineering blockade on the North London, so it's probably on the verge of being a no-go area. Others I completely missed were Cannon Street and London Bridge, but getting steam to them is clearly a long, drawn out affair, and that's before you factor in the intensive service. I do wonder what and when my next 'new' London terminus will be, but suspect I'll be waiting a long time.

 

Hi Ralph,

If the Princess's Crewe - London - Crewe run on 6 March 2010 was the Doric Olympian, the answer is yes. My blurb from the day included the following:

The climb of Camden bank was lively, regrettably with a degree of diesel assistance.

My fuller account of the day, including 12 pictures and an account of the movements in London, is at https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p585981204

Peter on another lovely sunny morning in Manchester
https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

By memory Tom the stock ran from Kenny O to Clapham where the loco turned. Presumably then dragged back to Willesden for the run into Euston. The climb from Rugby towards Northampton is the bit I remember as being somewhat 'vigorous'.

 

I assume the route via Stafford rather than turning right at Colwich is for a water stop? Half an hour in the up and down goods loop would suggest this.

Otherwise, I was wondering how definite this routing was, as I'm sure I read that it used to be the case that Euston to Manchester expresses need not query the route if signalled towards Stafford as the alternative via Norton Bridge (now Searchlight Lane Junction) was occasionally used, preumably for regulating traffic.

 

Water stop in old post office platform

 

Will try and kick myself out of bed for to hear and see this up Camden Bank tomorrow morning at Primrose Hill station. I have little excuse living near the site of Haverstock Hill station.

 

She'll be working well and the Duchess

 

Has there been any confirmation that all the crew (and the loco for that matter ) have passed their FTR after last week's enforced change?

 

Few years ago Tornado took 14 up Camden, without a banker. Incoming diesel driver did offer assistance. Politely declined.

 

I notice that on the return journey, 6233 is scheduled to be held at Whitehouse Jn from 18.11 to 18.23 to allow 7029 to overtake at 18.18.

How disgraceful! GWR interloper given priority on the Duchess’s home territory!

 

Manchester? Well I guess it must be all about the journey then, so here is a clip of it. Early morning at Apsley. And yeah, for all intents and purposes the oily was just hanging on.

 

6233 speeding past Old Linslade this morning. Good to meet johnb for a natter. 2022-03-26 6233 OLD LINSLADE by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

 

Surely the cameras will be ready and videos. Cue a long Castle whistle.......

 

My version at Old Linslade