Canterbury Belle 11th July

So what's the news on this tour, Has the steam ban done for this one as well? IS Tangmere now fit and well?

 

I would like to know as well Jeff! I am working tomorrow in Reigate so will pop out if its steam, won't bother for a diesel!

 

Yeah, I will venture out for the tour if its steam.

 

Anyone in the know who can confirm its steam (or not) today?

 

Not quite sure what this means as far as the loco is concerned, but the empty stock was over an hour early at Kensington Olympia:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54762/2013/07/11/advanced

 

This from SE gen:

"5Z81 33029 TNT Tangmere arrived Victoria 0913 RT on ECS from Southall

Shame Crompton ain't leading the charter"

James at SVN

 

Tangmere was reported to be on the back of the ECS through KO, so it will presumably be hauling the train from Victoria. I guess the planned ECS reversal at Acton Lane sidings didn't happen, so the ECS ran early.

 

If its that, or steam ban. Take your choice?!!!!???!!!

 

Passed Purley a few minutes late, with 'Tangmere' working moderately, as was the 33 at the rear - a fair compromise given the weather, perhaps?

 

On time through Ashford, with heavy assistance from the rear. I thought Tangmere sounded a bit "off"

 

Hope Tangy is Ok.

Box assistance has my approval for once! My own view is that one key priority is for it to run today with no hint of a lineside fire.

 

I'm no expert - just noticed that the beats of the exhaust were not even or of the same intensity. Tangmere usually sounds more even to me

 

Through Penshurst bang on time. Clearly plenty of steam on hand and a trailing regulator at work coming to the steep down grade after the station, but the box didnt sound like it was working and looked the part to any casual observers, and I am sure the punters are happy to have a smoker up front. Lets hope the whole trip goes off fire free.

 

Love the shimmering heat haze on the distant shot. And yes, no evidence of holding back there.

 

Returned through Ashford on time, diesel still making quite a contribution

 

A few photos from Penshurst on the return run tonight - Tangmere looking good!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/n_burgess/sets/72157634598475768/
(photos taken from a foot-crossing just outside the station)

 

Tangmere looked and sounded great on the Up run. It flew through Purley on the Up-Slow at about 55mph running 3 minutes late.

See below

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeFqzkQgSCs.

 

Video and photos from Nutfield and Redhill...



http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/9268964560/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/9269015654/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/9266214707/in/photostream/