The Valentine's Sussex Belle 12th Feb hauled by 44932

Ticket arrived today. Now hauled by 44932.

" Due to operational issues we were unable to secure the use of 34067 Tangmere.

 

I'd like to see this in the london area - any reccomendations for the best place(s) to see her working hard?

 

I don't know how far from London you want to go but I saw 70013 at Kemsing on this route last Feb, she was accelerating away from (Otford?) junction so working quite hard...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlKJsoEPXmw

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/4384632541/in/set-72157624839883115/

I am working in the morning but might head out for the return run somewhere near Tunbridge Wells.

 

My Dad and I are planning to phot the train along Romney Marshes. On an interesting side-note I see on the Steam Dreams website that there's a tour booked with Bittern on Thursday 14th July starting from Lewes at 9:00am to Ely. I'll be interested to know where the loco & stock will be based before and after the tour. As if Bittern came down from London it would face the wrong way out of Lewes to go north to Ely and there's no turning facitilies whatsoever at Lewes or anywhere near. So my only guess could be the loco and stock might be based either in a siding at Newhaven or my hometown Eastbourne( heaven forbid we actually see steam down here for once even if it is a light engine movement:dance: ). Either that or they put a diesel on the tail of the train and it reverses all the way down to Lewes so it can be chimney first out of Lewes. Or disappointingly it will be diesel hauled out of Lewes and then steam added on at Haywards Heath or Three Bridges.
http://www.steamdreams.co.uk/Execut...r=71441&Route=1&Adults=2&Children=0&Infants=0

 

David

I expect it will come down on the day from Southhall, Diesel hauled, with Bittern on the back and return to Southall on the same day. Steam Dreams started some tours from unusal locations in December and this is what happened then.

Paul

 

The times suggest that its non stop through Haywards Heath and Three Bridges. I will miss it going through Haywards Heath by an hour if I'm still doing college. Mind you thanks for bringing it up as I've not noticed this triop before. Nice to see steam on the main line return regularly to Sussex.

 

Yes I guess Paul is right, the reality is the loco and carriages will probably be towed down from Southall by diesel and then towed back. Would've been nice to think that there might have been steam down to my town, even if it is light engine movement or ECS, but still good to see more mainline steam in East Sussex.

 

Looking to head out for this one too, the 12th that is, however not in my usual Kent/Sussex location but in London instead. Any recommendations for the London Victoria area??

 

Bromley South/Bickley i think might be good, but if thats too far the down platform/footbridge at Wandsworth Road might be an idea or perhaps Ebury Bridge just outside Victoria - the access lane gives a great view of the climb up to the bridge.

Chris

 

Hi Chris,

Cheers for the reply. I think a plan is afoot to see her at Kensington Olympia on the ECS and then head over to Wandsworth Road for the actual train. But this depends on timings for the moment!

We'll see, hopefully some photos tomorrow

Tom

 

There's a nice video here from Oxford Road at Putney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvrNETs52fk

 

Excellent! Its a pity 44932 isn't heading this way otherwise I would have been there, staying just a mere 5 mins walk away!

 

Ooops, sorry, wasn't concentrating! :rolleyes1:

 

1050 through Wandsworth Road

 

On time through Ashford

 

8 early, on return, @ Shortlands,

 

On time arrival, held at Brixton.

A pleasant trip round Kent and East Sussex, sun even came out at Rye and the young ladies in short tarten skirts( known to the regulars as " The Dobbettes ") were on board selling raffle tickets.
An 11 coach train only 7 carrying passengers ( Support Coach, Admin coach, 3 dining, Kitchen Car, 3 First ( but only 2 being used) 2 standard including Buffet( Buffet half empty).

Despite being well advertised in the Evening Standard, does not seem to be a popular route.

More people need to travel, if they wish to keep tours in this part of the the region.

 

Its a good trip for the money but for me the lack of a destination and the chance to top up the levels in the local Spoons is the killer. I think 2-3 hours in one of the coastal routes would make a huge difference to the numbers. Look how well the Weymouth trains sold last year. Having said all that I would have booked up had Tangmere been up front.

 

Saw it three times today, first at Harrietsham, then at Lenham and lastly at West St Leonards. Sounded lovely and loud heading away from the latter! A few photos and a video:

http://craigrailpics.fotopic.net/p69013085.html
http://craigrailpics.fotopic.net/p69013088.html
http://craigrailpics.fotopic.net/p69013087.html
http://craigrailpics.fotopic.net/p69013086.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9P9aSfXiE

 

Superb video and pics Craig, thanks!