'Torbay Express' 2014

Here’s my video from the 14th September. The outward run was filmed at Dawlish and with rather rough seas, hopefully not an early indication of what’s to come this winter. The return run was filmed alongside the River Teign in much calmer conditions.

 

Yes I was surprised, clearly no speed restriction now which applied until recently to pretty much all steam.

Going well on the climb to Brewham in the evening:

 

There was a speed restriction under Dundas on the return journey.

 

No, no, no. Still quite a few to go yet. With the help of 'uksteam' the following list is for this year alone. <BJ>
24th September. 35028 (BLMD/VSOE) Victoria - Bristol return,
9th October. 70013 (STDR) Tonbridge - Reading - Bristol - Willesden
10th October. 4464 (VNTL) Tyseley - Reading - Bristol. Return via the Lickey
27th November. 34067 (RYTC) Poole - Bristol return
2nd December. Black 5s (STDR) Victoria - Reading - Bath return
6th December. 34067/35018? (RYTC) Three Bridges - Bristol return
16th December. T.B.A. (STDR) Willesden - Newbury - Bath return

 

A4s are now apparently unrestricted heading towards Bradford-on-Avon, but there is still a 5mph restriction heading towards Bath. This latter will hopefully be removed soon, as the track is due to be lowered under the aqueduct.

 

Thought this was the practice that the DSR crews drove the Torbay Express on the line as when I've done support crew duties the DBS crew have always been releaved at Paignton. And looking at video's I have never recognised any of the drivers on the loco during turning & servicing moves.

 

Yes the DSR crews always drive any mainline train that comes onto the DSR regardless if it is DBS or WCR as will be the case tomorrow on the Cathedrals Express a WC operation,

 

A film clip of Bittern at Dawlish. Thanks to Geoffers. <BJ>

 

Sorry I meant eastbound in the morning as per the caption on Flickr...this closure will be in place for some of the summer http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/banes/

 

Hi all, is there any reason why 5029 is using a different support coach on her last couple of runs? Where has her chocolate and cream one gone, as it was used during the season with 34046 and 4464 as well?

 

If its red and cream its the coach used by Bittern last week.

 

Can anyone shed any light on why it was delayed at Weston? Seemed to of lost some time before getting to Weston too.

 

Ac

According to RTT it arrived back in Bristol 42 minutes late, but don't say why, looks like a big delay occurred at WSM.

 

I was at Bristol TM when Nunney Castle arrived. There were no late running services that would have delayed the train. The Plymouth - Birmingham XC unit that arrived at BTM before the Torbay Express was running to time. <BJ>

 

Poor coal was the reason. The run from Taunton was grim but we did make it to Weston, just, with only 50 lbs showing on the gauge at Weston!! Badly clinkered fire but the support crew and loco crew did a great job in breaking it up and pushing it to one side. Got full head of steam in about 25 minutes. Got up to 61 on the journey back to BTM.

 

Here’s my video from the 21st September. The outward run was filmed at Dawlish Warren and the return run was filmed at Tiverton Parkway.

 

My footage of 5029 on the final Torbay Express of 2014. Seen at Yatton, Whiteball, Greenway Tunnel and Pugham Farm.

 

Liked the clip from Yatton, as I managed to stay out of your shot!

 

Bittern at Bath with The outward Torbay trip.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/15231933790/