'The Cornishman', 19th September,2010

On time leaving Bristol this morning, 3 mins late departing Taunton. Single tender as expected today.
A light load. Just 8 coaches in tow .....possible competion with the Torbay Express? <BJ>

 

I think you'll find that is the max. load over the Devon Banks.
Colin

 

I thought 9 was the limit for an unaided Pacific + 6024 to Plymouth ?.

 

Duke of Gloucester 29th May, 2007. Fasted climb of Hemerdon by 42 secs .....9 coaches. <BJ>

 

On time passing 83A. <BJ>

 

A4 60019 departed from Par on time. <BJ>

 

A4 60019 did indeed depart Par on time, but it was so nearly differ a different story!
Bittern was too long to be turned at St Blazey because a safety fence had not been removed on one side of the turntable. Attempts to remove it with spanners etc. failed.
Bittern was moved to the shed for watering whilst re-inforcements were sent for.
A team returned with an OxyAcetalene torch and they finally removed the safety fence by cutting off the bolts holding it in position.
Bittern returned to the turntable and all was well.
Congratulations to the team on hand for they're efforts!

 

Saw it this morning at Yatton, but haven't found the shots on the SD card. Not sure why the files appear to be so difficult to find. If I find the pics I will post them.

 

What an evening at BTM!! 71000 Duke of Gloucester arriving at 20:37 from Kingswear followed by Bittern arriving 24 mins early at 21:32 from Par .....simply wonderful. <BJ>

 

Thanks to all the hard working crews, everything worked well and we had an enjoyable day. Running from 60019 was, at best, subdued. Good time over Dainton Eastbound, otherwise slightly disappointing for an 8 coach train. Great to see an A4 curving around the sea wall at speed in the twilight.

 

some photos from trip at http://keyhamtrain.fotopic.net video at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=keyhamtrain#g/u great day out

 

Fabulous day out yesterday, great loco, great scenery and a very nice destination in the gardens at Heligan. While 60019 did seem to be a little winded by the climbs she more than made up for it on the level where she showed why this class is nicknamed streaks. Highlight for me was the return run along the sea wall, with the sun setting and Bittern getting within 2 minutes of an hour start to stop from Plymouth to Exeter, shaving over 20 mins off some slack timings. Was by far my fastest run along the wall, 66mph through Dawlish, 70 mph through the warren and 75mph by Starcross, breathtaking! We would have been even earlier back at BTM had we not caught a local train after Whiteball tunnel. And to top it all we won first prize in the raffle, premier dining for us next time, thanks RTC! Big thanks to all involved in a thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

So your saying that Premier didnt win first prize, that must be a first! Indeed top day out and thanks to all involved.

 

Had a brilliant day yesterday,top trip behind 60019,the climbs of Hemerdon and Dainton on the return been the main highlights for me. Thanks to all involved.

My photos are now up at:
http://mark-walker.fotopic.net/c1898751.html

There was a mini whiteball challenge on the return,which i won thanks to the embezzling Tom not on board!!

Cheers,
Mark