Steam Dreams 2022

Earlier today at Victoria.
Cheers, Neil

 

Thanks.

 

A video frame from today. A grim day for weather.

 

The evening run sounded good approaching Betchworth with, as far as I could tell, no diesel assistance on what was a very heavy train for a 5 in moderate to heavy rain (running several minutes late by this stage). 45231 faced a red signal at the station owing to poor work by the Reigate signaller - 45231 was slipping on the approach and was brought down to 10-15mph in preparation for the signal stop before the crossing was very belatedly lowered and then a long interval elapsed before the signal actually cleared - not smart work at all. Well after the train had passed the p.a. asked us to stand back as a fast train was approaching! The WB platform also had no lights working at all, adding to the isolated feeling. More stills and video to follow in due course. Edit - the class 47 was switched on but was not even taking its own weight. This gave the 'Five' a load equivalent to at least 14 Mk1s (nine Mk3s, two Mk1s and a Mk2, plus the 47) on the signal-checked 1 in 144 climb to Betchworth summit, so this was a great effort in the wet last night.

 

Passing Barnes on the second afternoon run yesterday - a little early and coasting.

 

Surprised to see no other postings at all about the Santa steam runs. This was Chiswick again today, with some significantly late running from Willesden for the middle run for reasons unknown (with very little else running on that route). Meanwhile, RTT shows the afternoon run using p2 at Clapham Junction to pass - impossible, as it's one of the LORO bay platforms!

 

Nice photo, I booked last Friday off work to watch the Santa’s and Tangmere with the Pullmans of which neither happened!

 

A very lovely evening on board the evening Surrey Hills charter, this was my first time on a SD tour, staff were very professional and very helpful. A very early arrival at Chertsey meant we could have a look at the 5 while taking on water.

 

It was passing very close, so it would have been rude not to go and film it. Last minute decision, no planning, so it is what it is.

 

A great way to end the year. Some lovely sound from Sherwood yesterday in some pretty decent sunshine:

 

The Surrey hills run last night looked half empty and really struggled approaching Betchworth (again). This time it was fog wetting the rails, and it was pleasantly surprising to see no assistance from the diesel (again). Video now processing and will appear shortly.

 

Finally; my video of the 'Santa' workings.