6023 King Edward 11 running in on MNR

The videos of 6023 all show that the loco has a very loud bark. This was to be expected as the loco has the"improved draughting" from the early 50's. There is a sleeve inside the chimney which effectively reduces the diameter and sharpens the blast, hence the very loud exhaust beat. I remeber Steve Underhill telling me some years ago that if I thought 6024 (with its double chimney) could make a noise, I should wait to hear what 6023 could do. K E 11 hasn't really been extended yet, when the time comes, the sound will be incredible.

 

Accelerating out through Sydney Gardens will do me !

 

Well worth a visit to the MVR to see King Edward II running if you haven't already. Here's a shot of 6023 pulling into Thuxton station with the last train of the day on Sunday.

Regards,

MT

 

Any of the hills between Newton Abbot and Plymouth (inc Torre and Goodrington) will do me!

 

Just noticed from MNR website that LMS 3F 47406 is coming from the GCR for the mini Gala 16/17 July. Things just get better.
6023 seems to be clocking up the miles in fine style with some powerful performances. Running in seems to be going well.

 

Just looking forward to the SVR Autumn Gala where I hear she is to be placed with the choc/cream rake (there goes my hope of a BR Blue loco with the blood/custards!) nevertheless, 6023 seems like a good job well done indeed.
Henners

 

You may see her with one B/C coach...

 

If you pay a lot of money for the privilege of it?

 

No, MNR are renting out whitwells BSK, in B/C.
"Should" be going this week.

 

Had a day out at MNR today for 6023.

Very friendly staff and a fine performance.

However,I suspect many visitors were there for the first time drawn by 6023 or Hardingham Fair and the interiors of the maroon stock gave a very poor first impression.Lets hope they aren't put off and return in the future.

 

Will it be possible to change trains at Thuxton on the 9th/10th and 16th/17th July ?

The website timetable shows trains passing there, I'm planning a trip down for the second weekend,

thanks!

 

You will not be able to change from the Dereham bound train to the other heading back to Wymondham Abbey. The signaling at Thuxton means trains heading towards Dereham have to wait outside the station until the Wymondham Abbey train has departed. Changing trains here could be possible in the opposite direction but they would have to open/shut the crossing for passengers to change before the Dereham bound train arrived.

 

Thanks for the info', looking closely at the timetable confirms what you say..... I can plan my day now

Cheers

 

I have checked with the operations director of the MNR, and there is time to swap between trains at Thuxton. The up service from Dereham always arrives in the platform 2 first, and there is time to swap between the platforms before the down service arrives from Wymondham Abbey, which tends to be in and out. You do need to be quick to get across to the up service, before it gets the staff and departs, but the guards do check for possible passengers before giving the right of way,

regards George

 

WRONG
Changing trains was possible both at the recent diesel gala and also yesterday.

 

When I travelled during the opening weekend in June the King always departed Thuxton before the DMU entered the station. As the DMU would be a MK2 set I suppose it would need to enter the station to clear the points at the south end of the station. Apologies for any wrong info.

 

So, you can change from the Wymondham Abbey bound train to the Dereham bound train,
but can you change from the Dereham bound train to the Wymondham Abbey bound train ???

thanks!!

 

I have watched people doing this, and the guards certainly seem to hold the train while they check if anybody wants to cross over. The DMU ran on the first Saturday of the King being out, but part of the time it operated as an ECS, so was held outside Thuxton station, with it only being a 2 car set it fits within the track circuits and point work to allow this. I will check this weekend to see if the guards are instructed to check for passengers crossing over, the working timetable does allow for it.

regards George

 

Thanks for your help, I'm looking forward to my visit in two weeks time !

 

Hi, after checking up with the guards, yes they do check for passengers crossing between trains. The Wymondham bound service has the longer stand at Thuxton. Its best to be in the rear 2 coaches of the Dereham bound service, and the front 2 coaches of the Wymondham Abbey bound service.

regards George