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

Update: just been told loco is still on NRM.

 

News from the train is that it may run at 50mph with review on return but my contact says it's all a guessing game at the moment.

 

Winds outside Chester le street have subsided considerably since 10am.

Maybe a chance of fast running on return, with a late start, getting away on time looking unlikely for return.

 

Latest update. 4464 now on her train but signalling problem still persists and driver has been delayed getting to York.

 

RTT showing 55L against York - and just left! Any news on speed permitted?

Now sunny and fine but still windy, especially gusty burst, in Northallerton.

Steven

 

I think I'm going to go up to Durham station and watch it in a bit...

 

Just left York. Hopefully my contact on board will provide further info as the day progresses.

 

Hooray. Bet that was touch and go. Looking at the other trains on RTT I bet they wanted it out of York quite badly. Weather forecast has been very accurate so far, still very gusty in Leeds, but with winds forecast to halve this afternoon let's hope there's a chance of a run on the way back.

 

Given the line is shut at Doncaster, there will be nothing coming North, so it'll have a clear passage...

 

The line may be clear of trains, but the big question is will it be clear of trees and other debris - that will probably be the main factor in determining the maximum speed.

 

ECML shut at Doncaster now due to damage to station

 

Message from on board. 50 limit on force but to be reviewed at 14:00.

 

50mph running outward, return tbd apparently.

 

Snap (are we talking to the same person )

 

Al, did you get on the train OK?

I imagine if it's running at 50 mph, , you will at least have time to post here.

And to cheer you up, or at least try to. Put aside from your mind the names of the undoubted top class professional crews driving today, and just imagine it is the REAL and first Bournemouth gnome, (A. E J............) driving, so that Northbound you are now recording the fastest run he every made!

 

Who knows. I'm talking to the wife of one of the support crew.

 

Up trains now running past Morpeth, EC and XC so situation is improving.
Still windy though.

 

90 late at Ferryhill

 

Don't suppose anyone knows the coach formation? I'm in coach H on Saturday so either right behind support coach on the return (fingers crossed) or at the back.

 

Is it going to be the same rake?