Fylde Coast Express Sat 16th June.

Through Kirkham this morning in the teeming rain.
46233_Kirkham | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


Through Winwick this evening.
46233_Winwick_16-6-12_Curve | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
46233_Winwick_16-6-12 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Its a loveley headboard

 

Sheffield Auction today so went for a day out - Breakfast at the Gateway Centre in Derby, a pint with Sir John outside the Grand Hotel St Pancras, and a late lunch at the Wong Kei then the 18.00 Euston to Manchester via Stoke.

The Duchess departed Stoke about one minute before we ran in - dammit - nearly an all objectives achieved day!

 

Duchess Of Sutherland - 16/06/2012 - In 3D

[video=youtube;mOW8CyBaeCI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOW8CyBaeCI[/video]

 

Maybe she was going straight on to Tyseley for the open day next weekend?
Tyseley Open Days 23/24 June 2012 - The Attractions

Peter on a grey damp midsummer morning in Manchester
Zenfolio | Peter Hewitt's Transport Pictures | All my photos

 

For some daft reason, I get this image a the Duchess sat on the beach, support crew feeding it ice-cream, front bogie paddling in the season and a massive knotted handkerchief on the cab roof enjoying its trip to the seaside in a throughly British way - probably a good job there wasn't a "kiss me kwik" hat stuck to the dome for the return trip if it also went souvenir shopping!

Steven

 

Come on Steven - wouldn't she have looked better at full chat between Starr Gate and Fleetwood Ferry!

 

Those people must really despise linesiders!!!

 

Well, if they create the Squires Gate / Starr Gate link for the trams to go to Preston like they're talking of & re-establish the Poulton to Fleetwood line like they're talking of then why not? It would be like the old Weymouth Docks trips

 

Would not want them to re-decorate my house!

 

Re: That Tacky Headboard!

Some are suggesting that, by continuing to perpetuate such a history of totally unacceptable adornments (that have, indeed, proved to be an offence upon the eye of so many), "person or persons unknown" are finally getting their own back upon those who had the gall to vote against permitting them to 're-decorate' Duchess of Sutherland in LMS maroon!

 

Probably stay on the track better than the new order on that route! Wasn't there some unfortuante outcome with a prototype new tram a while back when having combustion on board didn't quite work as well as it would on a Duchess?

Steven

 

Re: That Tacky Headboard!

Although the cynic in me agree's, a look back at some pics suggests daft headboards are nothing new on the Duchess, I don't get why you need a garishly coloured one with an awful picture when one with the simple regular letters and a red or black background will suffice.

And before anyone tries yet again to dismiss that opinion as "whinging photters" , remember most will be passengers on other tours, so don't be stupid enough to bite the hand that feeds you, to me the attitude of staff making you feel like your welcome and your custom is most valued is just as important as a good day out, I've been places before where they make you feel like passengers an annoyance and getting in the way of them playing trains.

 

Tell you what - wouldn't a steam hauled ascent from the Gynn to Uncle Tom's be something!

 

Anybody know where the duchess is currently? Derby? Butterley? Tyseley?

 

Went back to Butterly last night. Moves to Tyseley on Friday for the open weekend.

 

My video from the Blackpool line; nr. Weeton, Salwick and Treales yesterday: 46233 Flattens The Fylde, 16.06.12 - YouTube

Before anyone says it, the title of the video is tongue in cheek... although there is something of a gradient to be seen in the first shot; 1 in 300 would you believe - eat your heart out Shap.

 

Note should be taken of the saying, "Many a true word spoken in jest". :tape:
I know of someone who whilst working on board as a member of the catering staff, was reprimanded for sending text updates to some of his friends out for photographs.

 

Light wasn't much better when it left Crewe, although, unlike further north the rain did hold off until at least after the train had passed. Amazingly, although the clouds were blowing across in one direction, the clag blew in the opposite! With the portent of threatened smokebox adornments to come, we called it a day at that .... very fortuitously so, weather-wise, as it later transpired!

 

How petty, I hope non of those coming out with this sort of pettyness are allowed anywhere near press releases or talking to passengers or general public (who could be future passengers if you play your cards right).