'Torbay Express' 2013

Didn't you just get the feeling that the "Lion" (Nunney Castle) and its "Tamer" (driver Fred Lewis) were so delighted to be "let out of its cage" that the amount of "growling" (whistling) we enjoyed yesterday reflected the joy of being master of the job on its own at last? Oddly compare this run to Ollie on the Weymouth Express and there was virtually no whistles at all, from the You Tube clips I have seen.

Come on West Coast, get as excited as DBS crews and let those whistles blast with joy!

 

It's nice to see the old style headboard used - I don't like the new black one they use. I wonder why they put the older one on?

 

Brilliant! Made my sides hurt laughing at that.

 

There's nothing like the sound of an on song single chimney Castle. Credit to the guys who did all the work to get the bottom end sorted. The crews on the day were really impressed. It's been a long time since Nunney performed and steamed as well all day. We even managed to top Flax Bourton at over 60.

 

Had a great day out on Sunday on the Torbay with 5029. Great engine, sounding on top form. Does anyone know why the support coach of the actual stock was taken off the train at Bristol, therefore only load 10? Dont think it is a passenger coach?

 

Single Chimney Castles limited to 10 on Torre Bank, hence why 5029 isn't used when load 11 is expected.

 

A couple of stills from my videos of Nunney at Teignmouth and Torre, with a "little" bit of tinkering done

 

Oh I see, thank you for your reply!

 

Reason I say single chimney Castles is because the class is supposed to be limited to 8 to Plymouth, but 5043 took 9 last year, so appears the double variant might have a slightly higher limit.

 

Very quiet regarding today's. any news?

 

There is no Torbay today, next one is next Sunday hopefully with Braunton.

 

Oops, schoolboy error!

 

Braunton arrived safely into Bristol on time this afternoon. Hopefully all systems go for Sunday. <BJ>

 

Let's hope that DBS have a crew for Sunday. This has just been posted on SWRG regarding a railtour from Newport to Carlisle tomorrow (Saturday) hauled by a DBS class 67 diesel. <BJ>

''Just had a phone call that tomorrows trip to Carlisle for DRS Open Day has been cancelled. What a farce. This is what it says on Pathfinders website''......''Unfortunately we have been advised by Train operating company D B Schenker that they are not able to provide a crew to run The Lakes & Borders Explorer on Saturday, 17 August. The excursion is therefore cancelled."

 

DB Schenker has a pool of steam drivers and firemen and so I am sure they will have been queuing up to work with Braunton tomorrow.Unlikely any crew will have been queuing up for a day with a Class 67 box! Bring on the Torbay with 34046. Saw her at Woking on the DCE and she looked magnificent!

 

This isn't the first time Pathfinders have had problems with DBS. Maybe they should operate more tours with DRS.

 

Tomorrow's Torbay express is much anticipated. Drum roll please.

 

Bristol's steam allocation:

Braunton was having a FTR examination when I was at Barton Hill this morning, Nunney Castle was having some TLC/maintenance around it's smokebox area and Oliver Cromwell is en route to Bristol with 5Z81 as I write. <BJ>

 

Won't help, DRS don't have Steam competency (currently), would help no end if they went in for it mind.

 

DRS are pretty snowed under with what they have already!