Duke of Gloucester The Royal Borderer 17th May

Dep Tyne Yard 2 hours down. 71000 solo. I imagine that could be an interesting run.......

 

Currently in the Northallerton area and going like a bat out of hell............

 

A friend of mine reported that the Durham departure was 'magic'!

 

So, how much WAS slashed from the scheduled running time to York?

 

Thanks for all the updates Mark. They were most appreciated
Simon

 

If it was on the main line there was a lot of room for improvement from Darlington to York, one of the great A4 racing stretches. 53 minutes for the 44 miles was an insult to a loco like 71000, (if all main line). And I think an A4 would have had the right to turn round and go home if asked to take that long!

Would be interested to hear how long 71000 took start to stop over that section.

 

Some rumour going about of no tanker was ordered. Cannot confirm nor deny.

 

If correct the cost of the diesel will be down to the loco owners.

 

Just a. Novice question, but even of they do have to pay for the 66, surley it would not cost much as it was owned by DBS?

 

I am sure that in the past I have heard a tanker supplier referred to as being "used by Steam Dreams", which suggests that the water is organised by the tour promotor in at least some case - I bow to Ralph's frontline experience on this but pose the question as to whether who arranges water varies?

I have got the impression that a few years ago, the loco owner supplied water and coal but now these tend to be supplied but the hire fee accordingly reduced. As I say, probably varies depending on promoter and even operator (as an operator, I would be cautious at leaving to a 3rd party such issues given the delays that yesterday demonstrated can result).

Steven

 

So does anyone know when they finally got back to Sheff last night?

 

Why is this thread called the Royal Borderer, when the tour is called the Lothian Tornado?

 

On the return start to stop running time between Darlington and York was 41 mins 29 secs and that included a slowish approach to Platform 11 at York. It was F/L and speeds well into the 70's all the way with the first slowing occurring at Skelton Bridge Junction on the approaches to York. Arrival time at York was 0045 with the train still to go forward to Sheffield diesel hauled. Neither should one overlook the exhillerating performance put in by the Duke on the outward journey. The watering problem at Edinburgh was avoidable with a little more pre-planning but this should not outweigh what performance wise was quite an extraordinary run. Full marks to Pathfinder in ensuring everyone was able to get home at such a late hour.

 

Many thanks for that. A good time with the load and with the overall speed limitations of these days.