Dorset Coast Express - 2014

And here it is

 

Planning consent has recently been given for a turntable near Herston - http://planningsearch.purbeck-dc.gov.uk/PlanAppDisp.aspx?recno=40216

Chris

 

A certain Mr E would have cut the tree down instead!

Don

 

There are better paths out of London John. For instance the xx55 path which was the one used with 34067 on 9th July 2011. Although this was at 0755 it should work each hour if RTC were worried about the early start. It needs to be non stop to Southampton though I think, which is what we did in 2011. We actually stopped in the goods loop beyond Southampton as there would be no platform available for an xx20/xx 22 time at Soton itself. Otherwise stop at Mount Pleasant after St Denys xx15 for water and to let the Weymouth fast past. The 0755 departure got us to Weymouth at 1151. But then those were the days of GB at Steam Dreams and he seemed to be able to achieve anything.

Don

 

which as you know is what I meant.

 

Interesting coincidence at Basingstoke this evening...
20:05 departure of up DCE with ....70013
20:10 Soton - Garston FLT with.....70013 !! (Incidentally running 72 mins late !!!)

 

My best photos of todays Dorset Coast Express staring the brilliant Oliver Cromwell. I caught her at Eastleigh on the outward trip and she didnt disappoint

http://locoyard.com/2014/08/06/oliver-cromwell-on-the-dorset-coast-express/

 

Certainly didn't, here it is flying through BFH With a fantastic bark, sounding really good.

 

Great video bet you got worried when you heard that SWT 450 coming from behind you.

 

I was, specially as that was the first time for weeks 70013 has been given its head, and this is the last week i'll get that lovely soft dusk light on the fast UP.

 

Morning All
I have added some photos taken by Alan Costello of The Dorset Coast Express 6/8/14
Tour locos 70013 Oliver Cromwell T’n’T 37706
70013 Oliver Comwell arrives Weymouth with ecs for return Dorset Coast Express 6-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-VNDMf3W
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-fxrpdS3
37706 arrives Weymouth with ecs for return Dorset Coast Express 6-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-gcSTZhf
37706 departs Weymouth with return Dorset Coast Express 6-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-QS25DxJ
70013 Oliver Comwell departs Weymouth on the rear of the return Dorset Coast Express 6-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-sfFBJPJ
Neil

 

I thought I was taking a risk booking on this due to recent problems with diesel assistance but it turned out to be a very good trip. I am pretty sure that the diesel was assisting through the New Forest on the way out as 70013 was noticeably quiet but apart from that I think it was just idling. I am sure there was no diesel assistance from Southampton onwards on the return leg and Cromwell put in a fine performance. The noise up Porton Bank made the trip worthwhile in itself!

 

Stop making me go OT!

Typical DDR weather! There was a nice church in the background, but after all my efforts the Nossen 50.35 turned out to be a 110 diesel (again!). Leuben 26 Feb 85.

​

 

We usually did well in the DDR and only got arrested once or twice though we never cut down any trees. Yes the Nossen 50.35s were elusive but the 35s even more so

Don

 

And so to todays (20th Aug) run. Out of Woking more or less on time, dead 37 on the tail, Ollie sounding and working well.

 

Going like the clappers through Micheldever, 5 late.



James