THE QUANTOCK HILLS EXPRESS, 23rd Oct 2010

28 late departing Taunton. <BJ>

 

Arrived Minehead 14.52 (12 down)

 

Left Minehead at 4.56pm (18 mins down)

 

No, I didn't mean Deutsche Bahn! <BJ>

 

some photos of departure from taunton at http://keyhamtrain.fotopic.net

 

Left Bishops Lydeard at 6.08pm (passing time) - delivered back to National Rail on schedule

Steve

 

Don't really want to start another one of those "was the diesel pushing?" debates but isn't 12 coaches plus a diesel rather a big load for a Class 5 loco?

 

Looking at UK steam there seems to have been a variety of locos scheduled to double head this tour so the load should have been ok. If they have been left with one steam loco and a fully booked load it's a tough one. Postpone again? Cancel? or assistance.

As seen on other threads, I am on crusade against the "box on the back," but even I can accept that during this season with multiple locos failing, these are exceptional circumstances. i just hope the paying passengers were given an explanaition.

 

Not sorry to miss it! On my return from a narrow gauge week on Friday, the tickets were on the mat. I pulled out when I saw the schedule and locos. Couldn't get home from Eastleigh or Southampton that late and the interesting part of the trip had been ruined. RTC said "Network Rail!" Anybody know why 6024 couldn't make it south?

 

the less said about yesterday the better,the place to have been was on the west somerset railway for the 'double header'.superb! stunning sounds that appeared to be travelling for miles,the beat of the locos echoing all the hills along with some lovely light between the heavy showers.4767 was being worked nicely as well.all very enjoyable,althoughthe 47 was still attached it posed no threat.as for the main line part i'm saying nothing,i'll leave that to others other than to say i see here on the forum that black 5 5305 was to buxton with load 10 and no diesel assistance.

 

Here's my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdv9qnqiZG4

44932 is seen on the main line at Cogload Junction on both the outward and return legs of the trip. On the West Somerset Railway, with 6024 King Edward I, at Blue Anchor and Leigh Woods.
Also on the West Somerset Railway is a clip of GWR Prairie 4160 at Leigh Woods.

 

Not going to join the debate about the "box" on the back but at least it was an appropriate one for yesterday even without her names. Just a quick update from yesterday. Weather was mixed to say least ranging from glorious sunshine to thunderstorm at Yeovil during waterstop and bright moon and cold on way home.
I booked for the original date and decided to stick with it despite the cancellations and changes of locos, to be quite honest I was not that sure about going with the change of plans late in the day but decided to go and had a good day overall. Not sure why the King was not on the mainline section.

Having looked at the timings I am not sure if they would have been feasible with steam engine at either end and the changing to and fro that would have been involved at various places, especially as the turnarounds at Weymouth in particular were tight and would not have been able to been kept with changing locos etc. There was some practicality in the final loco arrangements.

I was in third coach from front on way out and the 47 did not appear to do a great deal (if anything) other than its scheduled section from Weymouth to Castle Cary - with help from the Black 5 up to Bincombe! and I assume up to summit beyond Maiden Newton. We had problems between Castle Cary and Somerton both ways with I think signalling/track circuit issues (FGW trains were also crawling through that section) which caused the time loss reported on SWRG forum. When she had a chance the Black 5 accelerated well and ran well and sounded very good. She struggled up to Bishops Lydeard with a greasy rail after rain and with 12 and 47 on tow, but made it with some good driving on the rising gradients!

AS ever the WSR section was lovely (OK I am biased) but watching and listening to the two Locos dealing with the hills was quite magic. The class 47 did no work on WSR other than some shunting at Minehead including use as depot shunter! On way back to Taunton in the evening watching from the end of the train the two steam locos climbing to Crowcombe in nice light with equivalent of 15 on was a magic moment.

We got back to Network Rail early and would have been early through to Castle Cary but for the signalling problems. Why we had to go through to Frome to reverse I assume was a NR requirement but I think the 47 was helping then. Was not able to check at that point.

As we were running getting ontowards 40 late when we reached Weymouth I did wonder if we would be held to run behind the SWT trains unit but someone made a very positive decision and we were allowed to run ahead as long as we went for it, which meant 47 help on climbs and to speed, BUT we kept well ahead of the unit and when I left the train at Bournemouth they were still ahead. That avoided what would have been a considerable loss of time and was a good decision which worked out well. Both engines were going for it in determined fashion

I make no comment as promised on the box issue other than to say the sight and sound from coach 12 of the Black 5 with help from the 47 storming Parkstone Bank in the moonlight was quite special. I could still hear 44932 right back down the end of the train - we woke a few up around Parkstone I think!! Living near Parkstone Bank meant I enjoyed that section especially. Would have preferred not to have had the 47 but some you win etc.

Overall not what I booked for but I enjoyed the day especially the WSR section - there were some issues but overall I enjoyed it DH