Saphos Christmas White Rose: 16,20,23/11/24

Saphos Christmas White Rose with 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, already a sell out
all moves including move from NVR Saturday 16th November
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...6/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LS

 

Note that the return departs York diesel-hauled with steam on the rear and reverses at Gascoigne Wood down loop.

 

Currently onboard The Christmas White Rose, ontime departure from St Albans behind 47810 with 47712 bringing the rear, will aim to report progress and speeds through the day with 60007, enjoy this one from the lineside all!

 

Almost ready for departure, slightly behind schedule, wreath is for former WCR fireman Pete Hanson who passed away a few days ago

 

Was standing at Lolham Crossing to see this and the West Coast service pass. I have to say LSL knocked the ball out of the park - especially the immaculate D1924 at the rear. By contrast, Farmer Smith's service looked disappointing whilst he tries to make a point.

 

It was a rake of aircon Mk.2s in blue and grey except for the buffet car, the support coach and two at the back.

The first time I saw a mainline steam tour it was 60007 with an immaculate rake of crimson and cream Mk. 1s behind it, and that stuck with me as how a train should be presented.

 

Shame LSL managed to drop the Statesman Pullman back in the to the rake. Went to Burn on the Selby diversion, clear aspects but not working at all. A bit meh all round!

 

The A4 was just ambling past cromwell, was expecting something a bit quicker. The Five put on a good show as did the rear motive power.

 

Ambling at Burn too. And elsewhere as I understand. Must admit knowing it’s uphill where I was I was expecting a bit of something.

Didn’t get to see the 5 as had work but I understand it sounded well.

 

I've just reviewed the videos I took of both 60007 and 44871 heading towards Tallington and it's clear that the diesels are providing no assistance whatsoever, and both steam locomotives are doing all the work: whilst I could hear 47 848 idling, I'm not sure that D1924 was even running... they sounded great.

 

I went out for the 2 Christmas White Rose tours today at Peterborough and then at Doncaster
This first collection features the Saphos tour with 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley
https://railway-photography.smugmug...-2024/Christmas-White-Rose-charters/i-zXCdzLq
later hammering through Doncaster
https://railway-photography.smugmug...-2024/Christmas-White-Rose-charters/i-ZXK3PFr

Neil

 

Stoke Bank this morning 60009.

 

Erm 60007

 

See Saphos thread.

 

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' arriving at Peterborough engine and coach from Nene Valley, various movements, and then departing for York...

 

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' arriving at Peterborough engine and coach from Nene Valley, various movements and then departing for York...

 

Bankers do not need to couple, only to have buffers that are compatible with the banked train's. I don't know if today's railway can cope with uncoupled banking, but it used to be the standard regime.

 

Well worth the long wait to see SNG through my home town station at night a wonderful sight and sound. The Christmas White Rose Gascoigne Wood-Retford-Newark-Peterborough
https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/

 

A stunning show from the A4 on its old stomping ground, filmed alongside 44871 also heading to York: