Torbay Express Season 2012

Bittern topped torre bank 1729 slight slip but going well

 

Hello All,
Here is a one example of photographers I took of today's, 16th.Sept., "The Torbay Express" as 4464 hauled it down pass the Teign Estuary. Best way to view a larger image is to right click on the Thumbnail then select "Open Link in New Tab".
More will be added to my Rail Traction Photos website soon.
Best regards SteamHawk216.

 

Grabbed camera just in time to catch Bittern on the way back down to Paignton this evening : Bittern on last TE - YouTube

 

A couple of clips from yesterday, taken at Teignmouth and at Dawlish.

The Torbay Express - 60019 Bittern - 16th September 2012 - YouTube

 

some photos and video by the river teign 16-9-12 at torbay express royal duchy sdr 17-9-12 - keyhamtrain video keyhamtrain's channel - YouTube

 

I would like to thank all involved for an excellent ‘Torbay Express’ season. I travelled on the last train yesterday and running was of a pretty good standard. The operation is pretty smooth now and long may it continue. The crews have put up some remarkable performances this year and for me 70000 was pick of the bunch. I am sorry I missed the one trip of 71000, I would be very interested to hear what was achieved on Whiteball that day. I think 4464’s best may have been on the 2nd of September again a trip I missed.

It has been a really interesting summer of steam in the South West this year; I think class 7’s (70000, 70013 and 34067) have really shown the way, I would like to christen it “the summer of the class 7”.

Looking forwards to the TE returning in 2013. Again, thanks to all at TE Ltd., DBS, Network Rail, PDSR, Locomotive Services, Flying Scotsman catering etc.

 

Now got the video clips up here:
Torbay Express with 60019 Bittern. 16 Sep 2012 - YouTube

What a great day with the Royal Duchy also on the road (video here 34067 - Royal Duchy - Bristol to Par and Return - 16 Sep 2012 - YouTube ). Both locos and all concerned seemed to perform faultlessly throughout the day - steam at its best

 

If ever TBEL needed the Torbay express to be a success this was the year and it certainly was A excellent season looking forward to next years season already well done to all involved .

 

Agreed. Less trains - but better matched to demand. Proven itinerary and good reliability/performance. Here's to 2013. Requesting a Castle or blue King please!!

 

Or Braunton...

 

Bit optimistic aren't we!

Wouldn't mind seeing 60163 on the Torbay again next year, different livery adds a bit of variety

James at SVN

 

Can't see it being a Blue King as believe it's not air braked !

 

Hmm, a bit short sighted if the mainline work is the intention for 6023? - after all, they have gone to the trouble of having a duplicate set of low profile bits to fit to it to ensure gauging compliance on NR metals

 

There's still a number of main line certified steam locos that are not air braked so are the owners of these short sighted too? They seem to be getting the work still.

 

Hello All,

My Rail Traction Photos website has now been updated with a collection of six photographs of 4464 'BITTERN' hauling "The Torbay Express" down pass the Teign Estuary on Sunday 16th.September 2012.

Link to view here;

4464 'BITTERN' hauling "The Torbay Express". Sunday 16th.September 2012. - Rail Traction Photos by Richard Smith

Hope you enjoy if do take a look.

Best regards SteamHawk216.

 

Yes, but why limit your access to the full market?. The Torbay Express is one such contract they are currently excluding themselves from. It would be just the right loco for the job, and a tidy bit of revenue if you can get signed up for 3, 4 or more of those runs. It would be interesting to know how many operators use vac versus how many use air.

 

The majority of Vac only engines out there now appear to come from either Tyseley or Carnforth, neither has to get "their" loco chasing every tour out there to pay the bills in the way individuals/supports groups owning single loco's have to.

There are arguements for and against Air brakes, yes it opens the door to DBS operation, but when did you last hear of vac brakes failing ?.

 

If 5051 was anything to judge by, Didcot seem to prefer their mainline locos to do a few runs which have an air of rareity about them rather than chasing every available job, bearing in mind that they aren't necessarily reliant on income from the mainline runs to do future maintenance and don't want to wear the loco out. It doesn't surprise me therefore that they might not be bothered if they can't do a regular run such as the Torbays, although maybe a one off "Torbay Limited" would be considered. Most of the other mainline locos are "main line locos" that might earn a bit on a preserved line as extra income but have to wash their faces in terms of earning enough from mainline runs to cover their next overhaul - 6023 has a different funding background.

 

Two phots from the run on the 16th September that coincided with my Holiday down there, Bittern is seen first at Dawlish Warren and then on the return at Torre:

Dawlish Warren | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Torre | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Thank you from the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company to all concerned with the Torbay Express. Its been another great year. See you all next year!