Wizards Express, with Olton Hall, C'forth to York. Sat 7th June

Kettlesbeck this morning in full stormy rain!

 

Great shot Jonathon. At least the rain eased as it arrived early. I was further down the lane trying to persuade the cattle there was nothing of interest for them!

 

I did see that the herd made their way towards yourself at the gate! I hate contemplated a lower shot where you were standing, but didn't want that large tree peaking above the horizon line of the hills....Oh if only it was a sunny day!

 

Edited to add correct picture.

 

Great shot Jonathan of 5972 in dark conditions with you having slightly better light than Danny just up from you .

 

5972 on the return at Coniston Cold - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h33e9b929#h33e9b929

At Hellifield - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h33e9b929#h2b5f82a2

 

Any idea why 5972 came off at Hellifield rather than Carnforth? It ran back to Carnforth directly behind the diesel leg. Asking out of interest only!

 

Engineering work on the WCML between Preston & Carnforth in the evening. If 5972 had taken the train all the way to Carnforth (Necessitating another long stop while 47746 ran round) then it wouldn't have got to Preston before the work began.

 

Remarkable performance from 5972 given how little recent running its had and apparently no testing. Must be a good un!

 

the 47 was definately doing more than 'taking its own weight' on departure at York given the sudden change in acceleration.... That and my Dad on the platform described its exhaust as bigger and blacker than the hall's. What operational reason was it there for have they banned propelling at York?

 

There really must be something in all this magic lark, as 5972 was also steaming into the new Harry Potter park in Orlando - they've not done a bad job

Chris

 

For ref I was on the train I said hello to you Ralph, and whilst I understand the reasons, several of the party I was in were disapointed whatever image you have!

 

Only worked by saving the sky with the use of a Nad Grad filter, meaning I could take down the shutter speed from 1/500 to 1/320 without white washing the sky, but giving me enough brightness with the ground.

Hoping for sunshine on the next run. And if James Shuttleworth is listening...some of us would appreciate a run up to Fort William and Mallaig for her. Yes, a Hall in bright Red in railway terms is horrendous, but the wife's opinion is it must happen!

 

Thanks for the info about the filter Jonathan.

 

'The Wizards Express' hauled by GWR 5972 'Olton Hall' on its penultimate trip to York from Carnforth on the 7th June 2014.

Video Available Here

 

Here it is on test in Florida. Just look at "Kings Cross" !

 

And the Mark 1's with what looks like plug doors & curved rain strips.