5029 on the 9th May

Email from Pathfinder with provisional times:

Westbury to Tiverton Loop via the Whiteball climb in 72 minutes
Tiverton Loop to Plymouth via the Devon Banks in 88 minutes
Plymouth to Exeter St Davids via the Devon Banks in 80 minutes
Exeter St Davids to Bristol Temple Meads in 75 minutes

 

I am booked on this and quite pleased with the outline times. Just depends really on what else is around to cause delays but Westbury to Tiverton could be done in around 63 mins even with the restriction through Taunton. I chose this trip against the 10th May trip because its better value in my view and it will be interesting to see how the single chimney Castle runs compared to 5043. Just hope I am the right side for mileposts so I don't have to stand all day.

Don

 

Yes indeed Al we can compare notes. In theory 5043 ought to be the better engine and based on past performance VT always seem to pull something out of the hat.

Just hope that the 50 tsr at Bridgwater is off by then as well.

Don

 

I guess VT may have an advantage given they seem to have built up a relationship with FGW as well as NR and MAY as a result be able to "pull something out of the hat" to borrow a phrase from gricerdon above. We can only hope both runs are memorable, though with Dawlish having only been open again for just over a month by then, I'm sure that much is in the bag if nothing else, : )

 

Times now on RTT. Pretty decent really. Going down 72 mins Westbury to Tiverton Loop, 63 miles, then pass Exeter to Plymouth 72 mins. Coming back from Exeter to Bristol 75 mins for 75.6 miles

Don

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54923/2014/05/09/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54924/2014/05/09/advanced

 

going well - 47 minutes Westbury to taunton according to RTT

 

looked good passing Dawlish webcam plenty of whisteling

 

Not sure if anyone else has commented on this but 5029 return due Totnes 1704, 5043 LE due Totnes arr 17.10. so they're due to pass each other just east of Totnes station. When was the last time 2 Castles passed each other on the main line?

 

5043 currently 29 early approaching Tiverton Loop.

 

now running an hour early looking on real time. Just gone through Exeter.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50600/2014/05/09/advanced

I guess maybe Laira in lieu of Totnes.

 

Now tucked up at Laira 106 early

 

My effort at Whiteball, enjoy.

 

Well, it looks like an even time run Exeter to BTM. A bit under 71 mins for 75.6 miles?

From RTT.

Been following it all the way on RTT as big brother Don is on board, and I know he will be delighted with an even time run.

Fingers crossed I'm right.

 

Yep, just heard from Cecil J Don!

Nearer 70 mins than 71 for the 75.5 miles, he tells me.

Good one. I don't often get enthusiastic about non SR steam running, but with big brother on board I followed this one all the way from Exeter to BTM, willing it to make up the 4 minute late start, get no checks and land Don a decent even time run. Sounds like very good work from all on the loco. Good on them all.

Now, what is the equivalent of an even time run for Short-eared Owls? LOL!

 

5029 and crew saved the best to last. Exeter - Bristol in 70 min 24 seconds after a relatively slow climb to Whiteball summit. 64.4 mph average start to stop, 70 mph at Flax Bourton. Superb ending to s successful day. I think it is fair to say 5029 is better at fast running than climbing hill!

Thanks to all for a very enjoyable trip.

PS: first time I've been through Parsons Street at 70 mph! Green signals right into Temple Meads: well done and thank you to Network Rail.

 

A few stills from my footage of the run today. Locations are Langport Viaduct, Rattery, Hemerdon (The noise!) and Whiteball. Plus a blurred shot of 5043 heading light down Hemerdon Bank, would have liked a better spot, but I was all set up ready for Nunney coming the other way