Cathedrals Express Euston - Chester 30.11.13

Can anyone shed light on why 44871 leading has a new almost Wild West sounding whistle/hooter, while 45407 has the usual Stanier hooter?
Has the Stanier version fallen foul of modern H&S rules? I hope 46233 and when it's back 6201 don't become so inflicted!

 

If the modern Stanier hooter has failed H&S regulations, the 45407 wouldn't be carrying one either...

The whistle is from a 'Challenger' locomotive over in the states, and is fitted for no particular reason other than Riley wishing to play about with his engines. Remember he fitted the same whistle to No. 76079 during her last 12 month mainline stint.

It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it certainly sounded amusing when in the West Highlands!

 

Yes thanks. Happy with the car, enjoyed seeing 44871 and 45407 and a fascinating drive to and fro through some lovely countryside on a beautiful day.

 

I was always under the impression the hooter was from a textile mill.......

 

..... well some of the 'looser' loco's I've come across have often been referrd to as mobile weaving sheds

 

An enjoyable trip with standard on the front out of Euston for a change. Outward we did not get stopped outside Crewe for a change.On the return arrived 7 late into Euston beacause the times were too tight for 60mph locos from MK.

A selection of my phototaken at Euston and Chester can be found at http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p582250492

Drivers from Euston to Crewe - Daniels and Kelly. Chris Birmingham was firing one of the locos.

Drivers from Chester ( and I think all the way) to Euston - Wariner and Riley.

First driver listed in each case was driving the leading loco which was 44871.

 

nice one.....

 

Lucky Mr Riley..playing with his toys on the main line.......

 

But only because he made the effort and passed the appropriate tests to gain his qualification

 

was this the one that was fitted to J94 193 and NWGB No1 at some point ?, seem to recall that whistle being at Bury for a verrrrry long time.

 

Firing leading loco 44871 for information.

 

Good old Fred, best keep in with him eh?

 

Nope - simply an acknowledgement that unlike the armchair archers and keyboard warriors that tend to post their "informed opinions" some people actually DO something; in a variation of the old saying "Those that can do, those that can't post it on a website"

 

Sounds like the perfect description of a journalist…...

 

Wow that was a quick change of direction, sarky remark to Fred then realising you have no answer to his apt follow up, try another smart a***se comment.

 

I'm sure Roger Ford will quickly disabuse you of that definition.

 

Yeah, but he isn't afraid of upsetting the apple cart is he? Nor does he brownnose steam operators….

 

So giving due credit for achievements is brown nosing ? Taking a look at actions in proper perspective is brown nosing ? Trying to look at actions taken from the operator's - rather than the customer's perspective - is brown nosing ? Trying to consider the background to decisions taken is brown nosing ?

Yes I have met David Smith and Ian Riley in the past and from those discussions with each have an idea of their aims in operating steam locomotives - and of the operating problems they face when on the mainline. Given that experience I try to comment on the positive aspects of situations and leave the criticisms to the experts of the ORR and the RAIB - who are PAID to criticise as appropriate ! - rather than take on board the comments of the armchair archers and keyboard warriors who often write to prove the extent of their own knowledge rather than contribute to the general discussion(s).

Methinks the only "brown" material around at the moment is the bovine excrement you are currently producing !

 

Sorry for the lateness but my PC packed in last week.....
Anyway, short, humble offerings from up on Beeston Castle.


Dan