Paignton and Dartmouth Heritage Festival 9-10th May 2009

Actually I did so jog on!

 

Calm down everyone is entitled to an opinion whether they were there or not, I was actually there for both days so saw all of the activities.

Actually Ernest I have to agree that being a passenger and able to travel as and when has always been fun rather than working to a timetable as you have to as then you are nevr in the right place to take a photo.
I'm sure that engine of yours had fun with the change of scenery and spending time with a celebrity!! #-o

Actually going off track a bit :-k Does anyone make a miniature Castle that you know of as I know theres a 14xx, 38xx, 1366 etc but I havn't actually seen one and was curious.

As for the "Armchair" comment this was intentional, and as for my involvement of the PDSR I travel very regularly at varied times of the year for some crazy reason I actually travelled about 8 or 9 times last year, and now its easier to get there I intend to try and better that this year if I can.

As for the Manor on load ten I don't think it would ever happen in the Peak Season as they run quite a frequent service, Also if I remember correctly they can only fit 8 coaches in the loop so obviously ten would be a bit much.
In the standard Season however it just depends on the passenger numbers expected from mwhat I gather and if a few groups book in advance they'll stick extra coaches on for them and they can regularly be seen hauling load nine or ten up the bank in the early or late ends of the seasons. There was a video on Youtube somewhere I think of Lydham with load ten on but can't find it now maybe someone else remembers it?? It is an excellent video.

If you want one of 5239 with a heavy load just look for Tangmere's fateful trip when she rescue her another great video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdqjFksyPNo
I do hate bringing it up again but its a great video!! :-#

 

Yes I believe that there is a miniature Castle, I will try and find the details for you. That would have nice to have had that there. I think there is a miniature of nearly every GWR loco.

 

There are some reliable 'sources' on here (like tuffer5552) who could confirm loco availability if you PM'd them, so you could be sure your journey wasn't wasted.
They certainly took our suggestions and made them reality at the heritage weekend - for which we are all very grateful =D> =D>

As for Manor Magic - this has to be one of the best climbs by 7827 I have witnessed (videoed on a digi camera so picture not too good, but just close your eyes and turn up the vol!).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZPExhFykPU
The sound was fantastic, 5029 was nearly as impressive for sound, but I guess they may have been gentle with her as she was post operative - and belonging to someone else!!

 

I enjoyed the last weekend at P&DSR and managed to get a ride behind all three loco's rostered, 4277 was fairly elusive, I had thought the roster would have been more evenly shared and not the other two doing the lions share, but then again one was a Castle!!
My only gripe was obtaining a ticket at Paignton, the member of staff was not very helpful and on Saturday I only managed to get a normal return as that was the only one offered but the Sunday guy made me aware of all the options so I took a rover.I was aware of the ticketing arrangements so I acted like a mystery shopper to test the system.
Other than that a most enjoyable weekend and good weather too.

A few pics from the many taken during the weekend.

http://michaelsgallery.fpic.co.uk/c1696620.html

 

Some observations from one who was there.

I am sure many people who wished to take 'photos of Nunney Castle were pleased that the opportunity to take a pics with and without the TE headboard was made available.

Regarding a Bank Holiday I can guarantee that had the event been on a BH then many would not have spent so much time here as they did as the local roads on BH days can be pretty congested with long tail backs.

The weather was ideal and even though there were, at times, a large number of folks at Churston thanks to the varied activities, which were spread around the site, never did movement become difficult. Yes, there were short queues at the BarBQ/food stall, but that didn't seem to matter to most people as there were interesting exhibits (traction engines) close to hand to view whilst waiting.

It was a tiring week-end for many (me included) but one that was very rewarding and enjoyable. A great reward was to see the enjoyment most visitors had whilst they were there.

I saw Lydham Manor this morning at Churston (Tuesday) and she was in steam.

Now to look forward to the visits by Tornado. =D>

 

Yes Tonados half a dozen visits will be something interesting to see, after all you havnt't had a half decent LNER loco since 1993.

 

.

 

Maybe i'm missing something here.....but I can't think of a half decent LNER loco that's visited the PDSR?

 

I was actually thinking of Scotsman at the time as its the only one I can think of which hasn't got stuck on the bank

 

Scotsman? Decent> SOS! Scrap our Scotsman! Lol 8-[

It'll be very interesting to see how shes copes on Goodrington banks, with a heavy load. But no fear, I'm sure a proper engine will be around as well, just in case. I cna't wait to take the pic of 4277 pulling Tornado and her load along at linespeed up Goodrington banks! :smt048

Joking aside, it will be nice to have her down here, and realtivley soon after her completion. Quite often we don't get a look in down here! #-o

 

Hmm well I removed my post for fear of causing offense, but seeing as others seem to agree!

The only decent locos *ON* the LNER were the J94s, but they hardly qualify as LNER locos \/

 

No comment, re Scotsman.

Perhaps though, there is a market here. If enough enthusiasts clubbed together (say £10 a time), could a PDSR train be specially strengthed for the day, or run as an additional charter? The opportunity for a Manor on load 10 or 12 is just not possible anywhere else (bar the SVR, very occasionally) - so if advertised correctly, this has the potential to be a sell-out.

Possibly top and tail with the Rat (loop length at Paignton could be tricky?) - thereby allowing the diesel boys a trip out with a decent load too, and increasing potential ticket-revenue. If a group came together to finance such an arrangement, run in a similar way to a charter; would people be interested?

 

Plus, the rear loco provides a bit more weight for sound, but reduces the risk of any problems getting up the bank \/

 

To be brutally honest 4472 made a much better job of UOSA and Tangmere, and I can;t think of the other one.
After all she spent a whole season climbing the banks, and obviously was quite good at it as she was hired again for 1993.

Personally I don't think 60163 has a problem, but personally the Manor would sound better saving them again there was a great pic of 7827 rescuing UOSA on Broadsands? viaduct (Was it yours Stu).

Serioucly her visit should be great and I can't wait to see her in action. If all the stories are true it should be something to remember, and quite impressive too.

 

Presumably some sort of industrial loco will be visiting, for the impending Thomas event.

Now THAT would be fun, blasting up Goodrington Bank.... =D> \/ [-o<

 

Just seen Nunney Castle leave. She was off P+D metals at exactly 8:00. So then, whats to fail at Newton Abbot next year, King Edward perhaps... =P~

 

I think 7827 with 12 on would need quite skillful driving and a completely dry rail (P&D guys, correct me if Im talking rubbish). She does struggle a bit in the wet sometimes.
I would love to see top n tail with one of the 2-8-0's. I can't remember ever seeing steam banking on the P&DSR. The website blurb for the heritage weekend mentioned top and tail working, but that must have been a mistake, as there was none!

As for space at Paignton, maybe the banker could be put on at Goodrington - does the signalling allow for 2 independant locos in section?

 

Presumably with the new signalling at Goodrington it could be done, however it would need to allow "call on"

If the signalling is simply 2 aspect then it wouldnt be possible I dont think - unless of course the system is fiddled!

Then again, they could always fit semaphore signalling again \/

 

Yes please! ;-)