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

Today's formation isn't really relevant. Even if it's the same stock on Saturday, it all depends on how many times the set reverses betweem arriving at Bristol TM tonight (or early tomorrow morning, as is probably more likely!) and leaving Finsbury Park on Saturday.

 

Ah, good point. Thanks for confirming.

 

Latest reports show gusts to 44 mph near Newcastle and to 68 mph near Northallerton. At 13.00.

 

Also, today's trip has standard class, whereas Saturday's doesn't, so it won't be exactly the same formation. Also, it may be worth considering that due to the nature of Saturday's trip, I suspect there will be a fair mumber of special guests n the train being wined-and-dined, so I wouldn't be surprised if premier class is at the front on the steam leg.

 

97 late into Newcastle at just before 14.00.

Hopefully they can get the turning and servicing done in time to be at least ready for the Southbound run at the right time. If the booked pathway is still there in amongst all the weather chaos.

On the bright side at least all on board will have 97 minutes less time at Newcastle!

 

That could be taken as racist, certainly sounds like you aint visited this fair land Yeti and sampled the delights of Newcastle.
But you could be referring to the reduction in time huddled up avoiding the weather perhaps, there are far too many nice warmshops and cafes for that to be a problem.
2 hours is just enough time to have a quick look round ready for the next longer visit.

 

It came through Durham in a blizzard of hail... I'll put a video of it up on Youtube when I get more feeling in my fingers...

 

Played havoc with my comb over!

As Arkwright would say, "It's been a funny old day". I set out in a howling gale, then when I got to Thirsk it was gale force winds and a monsoon!
Sat in the car and thought "stuff this" and was about to abandon the whole thing when the rain
stopped and the sun came out, so I grabbed my decorators steps and decided to stay.
Then guess what..........................train came and the sun went in!

I do feel sorry for everybody involved though, the train was packed and the loco and coaches looked magnificent.

So HERE she is cruising through Thirsk.

 

Like the shot Stuart
May I suggest Cossack as a help for your comb over
H

 

Magnificent indeed. In the beauty stakes A4s have no equal - until 2007 is born.

 

Lovely shot Stuart, doesn't need full sun for you to take some stunners.

I'm surprised the coal level has already dipped out of visible sight that early in the journey mind.

Must be gutting for the passengers, for circumstances to conspire and knacker at least 50% of the tour, hope Saturday's has better luck as I'm planning to head out to just south of Newark.

 

Is the 50mph limit still in place York - Newcastle?

 

read on a news group 90mph back on

 

That would be nice as I'm in Premier but the booking confirmation does say that they won't know until the day.

 

RTT reports NCL dep 3 late at 1647

 

5L at Birtley, 2L at Durham. Doesn't sound like 50mph to me. Very glad for all participants, organisers, passengers, DBS footplatemen, everyone!

 

Message from on board. "Going for 90."

 

Only 90!?

Brilliant news.

 

Yes, as mentioned above, from RTT it does look like they've made haste leaving Newcastle.

Really got my fingers crossed for a nice spell at 90 mph to wipe away the memory of the Northbound trip and make the day worthwhile for all concerned. Albeit in the dark. But to me there is nothing like being on a steam hauled express racing through a well lit station at night at speed.

 

Now down to 1L at Ferryhill South Junction according to RTT...