St David's Day Special - Victoria to Cardiff - March 1st - 70013

I was on that trip as well. Superb performance from The Lord Protector. The highlight was probably the stunning departure and acceleration away from Reading on the return run.

 

That Mr Hall, is the key point! With that load in tow as soon its at its maximum speed then the diesel can shut off and let 44932 crack on.

 

44932 in the gloom at Patchway Station.

http://michael527.fotopic.net/p69245329.html

Short video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y208vzrM1HE

 

Thanks King John. It wasn't especially that, though it did do that rather well. I just didn't really manage to catch 44932 making any stirring noises, so I thought I'd add my own

 

My photos from lunch time (she was perfect for time, so not a problem) and one from the return, arehere

 

Indeed, leaving Cardiff Central in the rush hour on a very busy main line without assistance would probably have resulted in delays to "normal" services

 

Not sure if you mean on the return, but I was at platform front with the engine showing INCREDIBLE acceleration for a Black 5 with 12 on 9 and diesel) sure to have been given a quick shunt to get away, but looked really good. Incidentally, I have no problem with diesel assistance on these lines...can just not risk holding up the endless stream of trains; and thats not fair on anyone. Think I've messed up my reply here mixing with Saltydogs view, but that was re a different tour !!! anyway, Superb viewing at Reading return journey.

 

Saw 44932 twice on the outward run, either side of the Challow water stop. Going through Shrivenham it was belting along rather well and (regardless of what that 47 was actually doing on the back), the Black 5 was very much doing its bit on the sharp end.

I only went out to photograph this run, and as such made no contribution whatsoever, but I applaud the efforts made by those involved to keep this train both running, and steam hauled. A box on the back really is a small price to pay compared to a cancellation IMHO.

 

Just out of curiosity, did 44932 do this run on one full tender of coal, or would there have been a top-up at Cardiff during the lay-over? Stanier tender carries 9 tons.

 

I did that run too. A brilliant performance from 70013 and her crews on that day. And yes that departure from Reading was something else! I was stood right next OC as she powered away. An assault on all the senses! Here is that departure:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODv08dVVp9M
And here is the excellent pass through Didcot:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xQxVCST2C8

 

Had a good day out at lineside yesterday,as did my dad on board the train.

My shot of the Black Five racing through Cholsey is now up at:


http://mark-walker.fotopic.net/p69251005.html


Cheers,
Mark

 

Video from Cholsey,Cardiff,Pilning,Didcot and Reading now up at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox6LSA7oh9Q

Cheers,
Mark

 

I take it that you decided against a still shot at Pilning? It seemed darker there than Patchway. I had intended shooting a video clip at Cattybrook, but wasn't too sure if there would be enough light as the engine headed up to the tunnels.

 

I did have the camera set up to take one but in the end didnt bother,or should I say,i focused on the zoom and forgot the camera was in the bag! But still it was on 800ISO so wouldnt of been worth it tbh.

 

I calculate when the train passed us just past Uffington in the morning, it was already up to 65mph. Not bad from a standing start at Challow, 8 miles before. Cracking performance.

I know 47500 did some of the work getting her up to speed, but it was brilliant to see 44932 charging down the mainline like that. Whoo whoo.

I just wish the LMS had given their loco's decent whistles, what were they playing at with those silly phart-phart things! Unsure of my history here, did it start with Stanier or did he just continue the company line?

 

But Steve...could you imagine a Duchess with the whistle of a KING ???? Doesn't fit. Or perhaps I just got used to them flying through Wolverton with the Royal Scot / Caledonian with the 'lazy hooter' blowing. Loved it

 

Can anyone inform me of who the white haired, bearded driver was on leaving Reading? I have never seen him before? A nwe "Kid" on the block, maybe?

 

Cheers Al,yes,certainly pushed a fair but,but had to,otherwise the schedule was out the window. I daresay it would of been a bit of a struggle through Pilning and up to Patchway (the tunnel especially) otherwise?