4464 Bittern to do 90mph on ECML - 29 June & 27 July 2013

Just got the new SR, seems Bittern has "special derogation" to run up to 90mph on the ECML during June/July. I believe it ties in with the 6 A4's event at York.

 

Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

The Ebor Streak - Steam - NEW - Pathfinder Tours

 

Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

I wonder if that strengthens the arguments of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

 

Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

Maybe a bit of caution here, as i read it on The Pathfinder poster it says that special dispensation is EXPECTED to be granted. I can't see anywhere where it HAS been granted.
I hope it does get the nod, but maybe a case of not counting chickens etc.
I haven't seen the latest SR so I hope my caution is unfounded.

 

Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

The flyer I just got from Steam Dreams suggests that it has been authorised and they are promoting it as 90mph on parts of the route including the important bit where the original record was set.

 

4464 to do 90mph on the ECML - 29th June and 27th July 2013

Very interesting message from Steam Dreams on Facebook. Here is a link to the e-brochure they have produced for Mallard 75 tours:
Celebrating 75 Years of Mallard's Speed Record - Fantastic Opportunity

James at SVN

 

90mph A4s

I have just received an e-mail from Steam Dreams concerning the 29 June and 27 July 2013 'Mallard 75' trips to York and back, respectively. The statement within that 90mph running behind 'Bittern' will be permitted for some sections on both trips does, I think, warrant a specific thread.
Although the announcement states that these two trips with 90mph running behind steam are likely to be 'unique' (two 'unique' trips?), surely this sets a wonderful precedent (assuming all goes well) for other high speed runs on special occasions?
The irony is that, of all the birds after which A4s were named, the Bittern is probably the slowest!

 

Re: 90mph A4s

Three threads merged - thx to the members for spotting the duplicate threads and "reporting" them.

Richard

 

Re: 90mph A4s

I don't know whether it is that things have been developing very rapidly on the 90mph issue, but the SD e-mail claims that the 29 June and 27 July trips are likely to be unique, but a look at the Pathfinders site reveals a third trip (to Newcastle on 19 July) which is also expected to feature 90mph running. On the face of it this makes SD's 'unique' claim seem slightly 'creative', and I'm also confused by the lack of reference by them to Pathfinder Tours, who are running the trips on which they have secured some seats, instead only mentioning 'Steam Railway' magazine and 'Locomotive Services Ltd'. Is there a hidden agenda of friction between PT and SD here?

 

It certainly could be an explanation as to why 60019 has been given some extended maintenance at Southall. Shame it won't happen on the Cath-Ex to Scotland trip, but you can't have everything, I suppose...

 

Having read some of this I don't see any friction between anyone, seems everyone is working together to make it a great success. Pathfinder are only the booking agent for the 29/6 and 27/7 I think so I guess that is why SD don't mention them.

Interesting that the A4 will be running only over certain sections at speeds 'up to 90mph'. Does the A1 people not want to get Tornado passed for 90mph for much more than just a few days in the summer and for more miles?

SG

 

Re: 90mph A4s

I wondered where the thread I started this morning in steam traction disappeared to?

 

I think the exercise will help to establish a 21st century precedent for a 75mph-passed 'heritage' locomotive to do faster speeds. Presumably, it will have to be tested for the dispensation to be given...

 

Yes, the SR article refers to a high speed test on the GWML during May, which if successful, will lead to the final dispensation being granted.

 

If all goes well and the dispensation is granted then a big thank you should be given to the much maligned (when it comes to steam tours) Network Rail. This isn't something that the special trains planners at NR have tried to sneak past their bosses whilst they weren't looking. It must have gone to the highest levels within NR (and maybe even the ORR), and fair play to them for realising the significance of this anniversary to the wider railway community.
Fingers crossed that all goes to plan.

 

According to the SR article, a lot of cash was spent in obtaining this derogation. I guess that the prices reflect the need to recoup some of the extra expense.

 

Isn't it more likely that high prices reflect the need for a lighter load? I'm assuming that this isn't going to be a 11-12-13+ rake of coaches, but a smaller load to reduce the potential for damaging Bittern?

Simon

 

so reading this it is 3 trips being advertised...

June 29th - Steam Dreams website only
July 19th - Pathfinders website only
July 27th - Both Pathfinder and Steam Dreams.