THE QUANTOCK HILLS EXPRESS, 23rd Oct 2010

I see that both locos for this trip have been changed. 34067 is, presumably, still under overhaul at Carnforth and I think 777 is due to appear at the Bluebell Rly that weekend.

The replacements are 44932 thoughout and, between Weymouth and Castle Cary only, 6024. 44932 will remain attached to the back of the train, to assist tender-first.

Goodness knows what time the train will return, but that combination should make a wonderful racket climbing to Evershot in the dark!

 

Requested timings from Railway Touring Company;
http://www.railwaytouring.co.uk/index.php/the-quantock-hills-express---231010.html
Be interested to see how close NR can get to what RTC would like.

 

Bad news . . . looks like the Weymouth to Castle Cary part of this trip is now diesel hauled with 6024 only working the train on the WSR.

The hilly bits of this trip will now be much less interesting, an expensive day out if you like steam haulage throughout.

 

NOT AGAIN!

 

Must admit when I saw the changes with the King being brought across from WSR to Weymouth and then back again afterwards I thought it was possibly too good to be true and there were a lot of timings that did not seem to be quite right. Ah well some you win etc!

 

On the 23rd October there will be two 'Black 5's working on the WSR at the same time .... but where will they meet? <BJ>

 

According to www.wsr.org.uk, 44767 is on the Minehead daigram that day, which suggests they will probably cross at Blue Anchor in both directions (or possibly Minehead).

A thought - since 6024 is only working the WSR sections of the tour, maybe double-headed Black 5s would have been a more interesting combination that a Black 5 and a King (no disrespect to 6024).

 

Dissapointed that 6024 is not working out of Weymouth now. I had a great location lined up just south of Evershot Tunnel, the King would have made a great sound climbing the bank.
Might still go there if the West Coast diesel is a 37.

 

Would you be prepared to divulge the location? I have recce'd all the accessible (by foot) locations on the south bank, and can't find any decent shots!

 

If I told you where it was there would be loads there!!!!!!!


I will PM you tomorrow.I agree there are not many places to video or photograph on this section, I found this on a site called Wheres the Path? http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm
which gives OS map alongside aerial view, very helpful I find.

 

6024 confirmed as pilot for BL-MD-BL legs. Both 6024 and 44932 work chimney first both ways.

If all goes to plan, Black Fives cross at Blue Anchor (outward) and Williton (return).

Suspect 44767 not piloting due to already advertised as working service trains that day (a personal view)

Steve

 

Is there a revised timetable on Saturday, as the 16.05 ex-Minehead and 16.15 ex-BL should cross at Williton.

 

My "outward" and "return" referred to the special. Sorry for any confusion.

Steve

 

Yes, I realise that, but the last WSR steam trains in each direction (one of which will be hauled by 44767) are booked to cross at Williton at , so I don't see how 44767 can also cross 44932 on the railtour at Williton as well, unless the WSR timetable is revised.

 

Yes, amended timetable, after crossing the 1605 ex-MD at Williton, the 1615 ex BL waits there for the return excursion.

Steve

 

44932 at Barnes this morning....

http://50031.fotopic.net/p67791564.html

 

47500 GREAT WESTERN reported at various locations on WRGEN on ECS for this working so assume on train tomorrow (ta to those who reported) - last reported at Winchester just before 5 and 44932 should now be at Eastleigh have been reported at Worting just before 1300 DH

 

Thanks. I like the level crossing photo, the guy on the bike and the woman at the side are probably thinking "what on earth????"

 

Depart Castle Cary a few minutes late at 12:10.

Thanks to DB. <BJ>

 

Video of the train near Bradford Abbas this morning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtLc-30kn4I