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The Varsity Explorer - 25/10/25

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Big Al, Oct 6, 2025.

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  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Priceless. I think someone had forgtton that there was a Class 7 up front and according to the crew a powerful one....and we were about on time at Searchlight. :rolleyes:
     
    Big Al, Oct 25, 2025 at 4:22 PM
    #21
  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I've no answer for you and anyway it is none of my business as others on here will say.

    For me today was about the loco and the new track. I won't be doing another one with Eddystone if WC reckon that 11 coaches plus a diesel is too much for it on its own.
     
    Big Al, Oct 25, 2025 at 4:28 PM
    #22
  3. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Quoted on Railcam Eddystone has failed at Chester on the move to Carnforth?
    Though how much is rumour, fact, or speculation?
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
    neildimmer, Oct 25, 2025 at 4:49 PM
    #23
  4. AlexGWR1994

    AlexGWR1994 Member

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    Here's my video of 34028 Eddystone along the new Varsity Line approaching Bletchley, becoming the first steam engine on the Varsity Line since 1967. A momentous occasion and I hope you enjoy it.
     
    AlexGWR1994, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
    #24
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  5. wcmlbls1846

    wcmlbls1846 Well-Known Member

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    34028 5Z30 dep Chester 1702 to Carnforth, 56 late. AN
     
    wcmlbls1846, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
    #25
  6. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    I'm not certain what the coal capacity for 34028 is. Maybe 6 tons? Even if being generous with coal consumption of 30 miles per ton/tonne that gives a range of around 180 miles. It's 198 miles Southall to Chester via EWR, let alone making up the fire and running forward to Carnforth. So diesel assistance was inevitable whatever anyone would prefer.

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM
    #26
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  7. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    The usual siding for the steam loco to park its tender next to a road access for the coal lorry, was occupied by two Tampers. Therefore the coaling was done on the triangle spur.
    Then 34028 still had to go to the middle sidings for water before the move to Carnforth.
     
    twr12, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM
    #27
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  8. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    34028s tender holds 5t of coal and 5500 gallons of water.
    The occasional diesel assistance was to stretch the coal as far as possible.
     
    twr12, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    #28
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  9. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    The occasional diesel assistance was to stretch the coal from Southall to Chester. It was tight.
     
    twr12, Oct 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
    #29
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  10. 45698Mars

    45698Mars New Member

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    45698Mars, Oct 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
    #30
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  11. Spike

    Spike New Member

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    With a clear road set ahead at Colwich Jnc, Eddystone races along the WCML near Rugeley. IMG_0285.jpg
     
    Spike, Oct 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
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  12. 30910

    30910 Member

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    A simple record shot of 34028 as she hurries towards Chester.

    A while since I've been able to get out (and edit!) so not top quality sadly. Still I was glad to see her and smell the exhaust.
    Going away shot scuppered by the wind.
    Chris
     
    30910, Oct 25, 2025 at 10:15 PM
    #32
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  13. Shoddy127

    Shoddy127 Well-Known Member

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    As a certain CME says linked to an engine you’re involved with Al, isn’t it about fitting in and keeping out of the way?

    I’m sure Bill will have great pleasure in telling you to “go away” in a rather slightly stronger way if your paths cross!

    Also gives the game away as well!
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
    Shoddy127, Oct 26, 2025 at 7:13 AM
    #33
  14. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    Unnecessary ? do you know that for a fact ? There can be many operational reasons that we don't, and never will, know about. A diesel loco. driver doesn't 'open the taps' just for something to do, or to pass the time. There IS communication between front and back.
     
    Victor, Oct 26, 2025 at 9:29 AM
    #34
  15. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    Good to see you're able to be out again.


    Smoke and shadows, the view off the bridge at Wardle, the wind was a real issue whipping the exhaust around here.


    _25Z3828 34028 Wardle 251025.jpg
     
    jsm8b, Oct 26, 2025 at 9:57 AM
    #35
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  16. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    At the risk of being relocated to l/e etc.
    34028 at Helsby, nearly an hour later than anticipated and after any chance of sun had disappeared behind advancing clouds.

    The co-acting home signal on the left is a real rarity on the network these days, one of only two I think (assuming the one at Greenloaning remains in use).

    _25Z3861 34028 Helsby 251025.jpg
     
    jsm8b, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM
    #36
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  17. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Yes good so see that you are able to get out again.
     
    RalphW, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:18 AM
    #37
  18. peckett

    peckett Member

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    Not true .6201 returned to Tysley from a open day at Wolverton works the long way round ,that was Bletchley ,over the flyover ,Swanbourne Bicester Oxford and Banbury ,that was on 02/10/1988.It was a bit to late for a photo on the branch so a photo crossing the flyover was taken. Please see attached.
     

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    peckett, Oct 26, 2025 at 10:40 AM
    #38
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  19. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Would that route have been longer than via Birmingham?
     
    MellishR, Oct 26, 2025 at 11:13 AM
    #39
  20. TH Railway Videos

    TH Railway Videos Member

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    I would imagine this was back in the days of BR when steam under the wires was mostly a no go
     
    TH Railway Videos, Oct 26, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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