Weymouth Seaside Express 2012

Thank you James on behalf of all the WCR staff involved. Lets hope the weather holds off for next weeks little foray into Dorsetshire.

 

Agreed YJ will never make a great destination in its own right but it's nowhere near as bleak as it used to be. I was there on Monday, travelling on Clan Line's trip to Weymouth and was most impressed with the steam centre facilities there now. I know these aren't the stuff of an entire day out, and for those with children, only limited appeal would apply but I wouldn't like to think those who haven't been to YJ for many years (like me), or never, might think its akin to being stuck at Yeovil Pen Mill or Westbury. Now that would be grim.

 

Tangmere on train today ready to depart.

 

Struggled (understatement of the year!) over Evershot with 9 coaches at 12:25, was down to walking pace - driver did brilliantly to get over the bank!

James at SVN

 

5029 has taken 9 over Evershot.

 

Here is the video from it - was quite a sight and sound. A coach too many?

34067 struggles over Evershot bank 15-07-12 - YouTube

Comments are appreciated!

James at SVN

 

May of been slow but she got there, I'd suggest it may of been the driver allowing the engine to find its own speed rather than forcing the issue, the problem with opening the regulator further in that situation (especially so with Bulleids) is that you risk putting the loco into a slip, which at such a slow speed would probably mean stalling, Nunney Castle as with any 4-6-0 can dig in a bit and be pushed more at lower speed.

Nice vid James, certainly dramatic.

 

Thanks for commenting David, I appreciate it. You are quite right, she struggled all the way up from Chetnole (could hear her from the tunnel). Any more regulator and it would've been a slip - it didn't help that it was raining around 20 minutes before the special was due. Any other locomotive would've been fine, as you say, 5029 would've cleared it comfortably and even an engine as heavy as a Britannia would've cleared it. I have always been under the impression that these Bulleids were predominantly designed for express passenger, and that they don't like steep banks that much!

I say that, but on the return run 34067 blitzed Upwey bank in just 7 minutes from a standing start and reached 41 at the tunnel (unconfirmed) - quite something! CORRECTION: was reported 31, not 41 - typo!

James at SVN

 

They have plenty of power and are very free steaming, its adhesion that's always their achilles heel.

 

Nicely filmed. A bit over walking pace though, and she sounded sure footed. As has been said, it looked like maybe the loco was left to find her own speed.

Cheers,

Bryan

 

I believe next week (22nd) train is full. If anyone has a ticket he/she can't use can you please PM me?

 

.....I won't say a word. <BJ>

 

Rumour on has it 70013 will be working the train next week. Only a rumour...

 

Nice video James and certainly looks as though Tangmere was left to her own devices on the climb there.

Not sure if anyone else noticed but I take it they refilled her up with coal!

 

Thanks Ian, yes they did get a lorry down to Jersey sidings to refill her tender to get to Yeovil

James at SVN

 

So 70013 is no longer required for the S&C run on Saturday. Perhaps the Weymouth rumour is correct. <BJ>

 

Still shown working the North Wales Coast on UK Steam on the Sunday ,unless 45305 does it or if 60009 is ready? (46233 cannot due to gauging).

UK Steam now also shows 34067/70013 for Weymouth.

 

70013 is doing the Bristol Weymouth on Sunday. Tangmere going to WSR on Saturday.

 

Thanks Andy.