Sat 14-Sep CathEx to Worcester

I am guessing this question has been asked before, but does anyone know why the hi-vis light on the front of Tornado is so bright? I watched about 10 service trains pass me at Canley in the evening, and without doubt the light on the front of Tornado outshone them all - e.g. Pendolinos, Voyagers, Desiros! It was like this on the outward run too, so it wasn't just the dark - if anything, I would suggest it to be a distraction for oncoming drivers. I found a video on youtube of 60163 passing through New Street, in which a message is put across the tanoy reminding those on the platform that flash photography is banned - were the crew of Tornado made to turn the hi-vis light off for that part of the journey ?

Otherwise, nice tour - Tornado looked and sounded great. Nice to see it in BR Blue too - it'll have to take a trip across the fence at Kidderminster next time!

 

The portable electric lights normally used are only allowed up to 75MPH, 60163 needed something better as part of the push to try and get 90MPH approval, Bittern borrows Tornado's lights for the 90MPH runs (assuming the last two ever happen).

 

Thanks for the explanation. I still believe that the one from the loco lamp is ridiculously bright though, and don't understand why it needs to be this intense when, as mentioned, those on modern Diesel and Electric stock dont seem to be.

 

I do wonder if that's just the contrast of a steam loco's black smokebox behind it, most modern lights have various other light clustres and a big bright yellow end around them which is much less of a contrast.

It does beg the question though why in this age of bright headlights, why yellow ends are still required.

 

I glimpse of her through Watford.



We were unfortunately slightly blocked by a late running Cl.350. In the evening, as I was about to set off on my bicycle to the station, I heard her whistling. Fortunately I ran to the bottom of the garden and managed to see her pass through - 20 minutes early!

 

http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/video-steam-train-birmingham-new-6026365

Emmm