46233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Stopped by signal north of Stafford, then though Stafford about 20.20.

 

Whats going on at the back of the tender, not a criticism just a query....

Worried I may be getting a little tender obsessive

 

Steam powered mechanical coal pusher? Someone will perhaps correct me if I am wrong though.

 

Correct so I'm lead to believe.....

 

The coal pusher is quite well tucked into the coal space, the big black lump on the back of the tender is extra water space.

 

Fantastic run from the Duchess today,would never believe it was a first run,well done to all at PRCLT,look forward to another 10 years!!

 

Well done to the local at Willington who told the crowds by the Stoke line that they would be better alongside the Burton line at the station! as for 46233 - she must have gone like the wind because I failed to beat her to Mill Meece and there was only one light hold up all the way - but it was enough!

Good to meet many mates along the way - either on board, or linesiding, but where was Mr Whitby?

 

The green Duchess - good to go! 29 March 2012

It was uncertain whether this train would run, since Stanier Pacific No 46233 Duchess of Sutherland did not successfully complete her 'loco and coach' test run until 48 hours before. But all the hard work of the PRCLT team in completing her prompt overhaul bore fruit when she appeared in the sunshine at Derby, resplendent in her magnificent coat of Brunswick green, the people's choice.

She got away smartly, reaching the early sixties both sides of Burton on Trent before taking the freight line through Alrewas to the WCML at Lichfield. Then she stormed away, reaching 67 at Rugeley before slowing for Colwich. We then dawdled through Stafford but reached 61 at Stableford and again after Madeley but signals were against us down the bank to Crewe.

The assessment there must have been favourable as we stormed back up the bank, with a maximum of 48 before easing back a little through Madeley. Then we sprinted down the bank, reaching 74 at Millmeece and continuing in the 70s till after Norton Bridge, when we once again shambled slowly through Stafford. After Colwich we had another good spell in the early 60s before slowing for the turnoff at Lichfield. A final rush through Burton saw us eat several miles at over 60, only slowing as we approached Pear Tree, whence we crept back into Derby.

The verdict seemed to be that that the loco had perfoirmed just as well as she looked, promising a wonderful summer ahead. The PRCLT team are to be congratulated on their excellent efforts, apart from selling a placard saying 'Keep calm - she'll soon be back in maroon.' I would happily buy one saying 'Keep calm - she'll stay in green for ever!'

20 pictures are at Zenfolio | Peter Hewitt's Transport Pictures | The green Duchess - good to go! 29 March 2012

Peter, on a grey late summer morning in Manchester
Zenfolio | Peter Hewitt's Transport Pictures

 

After all the "handbagging" over the livery, what a beautiful looking loco that is.........well done to everybody!

 

Well done to all concerned, it does you great credit.:thumb:

 

According to our latest source who is part of the PRCLT team, the BR green will be staying for at least two years if not three as they see no point in repainting it after one season. I'm hazarding a guess that they'll put a late crest on the tender somewhere between that
Matt

 

Good to see the Duchess back and looking stunning even from a GWR man.

 

Hey look,it's my hand!

 

That's before you threw coke, cider and sugar eggs all over yourself!

 

Can't see your headboard on this clip. Particularly as you had made such a fuss about it!