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

The first time I saw Flying Scotsman after the addition of double chimney and blinkers, pulling away from a pathing stop at Leamington Spa, it was making very similar squeaking noises. Something to do with the exhaust arrangements then?

 

I'm no engineer, but I'm sure (don't quote me on it) I read somewhere that the "strange noises" are something to do with the way the (conjugated) valve gear operates at low speeds thus giving out a wheezing/whistling noise.............................................. If anybody knows different - do tell!

 

Maybe its a 3 cylinder thing? You can almost hear the same wheeze from Tangmere or Wadebridge if you listen...or are my ears just listening out for it!?

 

No, you're not "hearing" things, Tangers and Wadebridge sound off-beat almost wheezing at low speed with "conventional" 3 cylinders, where as the Gresley conjugated arrangement seems to sound like the engines got its nuts in a vice!

 

Just looked at the times for Saturday. Not much evidence of 75+ running on the "90 mph approved" stretch through my neck of the woods. It is on the fast though for a change so the opportunity is there for the driver to have a go.

 

Must be my musicians ears - attuned to the squeaks of badly played saxophones, oboes and clarinets!!

 

I'm wondering which line she'll be on after the Potters Bar pick up, I'm guessing the fast........................................................................

 

You don't need musicians ears to hear badly tuned instruments - just makes them sound even worse.........................................................................

 

4472 used to squeak rather a lot when she was "converted" into an un-streamlined A4.

 

It's quite interesting to hear the difference in sound of all the 3 cylinder engines - even of the same class - if you watch the 90mph vid of bittern the noise it's making (to me) indicates one cylinder is producing a stronger note...Stanier 3 cylinder engines sound the most 'regular' to me...

sorry that's probably way of topic, I'll be quiet now...

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54875/2013/06/29/advanced

 

My ticket has arrived.
Separately I was also told, there may be a surprise arrival time at York.

I'll drop the odd progress update from the train on this thread.
Anyone else here, on the train with me ?

Is the 2nd tender is coming for the ride as well ?

 

Thank you pointing out the obvious, Spamcan!

 

Give us a wave as you fly through Hatfield. as that is most likely where I'll be no doubt along with plenty of others............................................... Enjoy the ride!

 

She' was 'doing it' last year but doesn;'t seem to affect performance. BIG discussion on the related thread I remember but probably same conclusions reached. Or were they 'conclusions' ??? Perhaps we need a crew expert to clarify for us....Pete

 

Not for this one but I'll be on the run home to the Cross hoping for "special" run.

 

maybe the DCC sound on my model isn't as tinny as I thought, its "prototypical"

Looking forward to some video footage of Saturday as I can't get there myself

 

Sounds like a similar approach to The Cheltenham Flyer with the timings then............... 4492 should be going a bit faster than 5043 though.

Look forward to seeing some of the videos on YT.

 

I hope not! It's 4464 you want, not 4492!

 

Second tender?

Surprise arrival time at York?

90mph running.

You could be in for a really cracking run on Saturday!

Updates from the train will be much appreciated.