4464 Bittern to do 90mph on ECML - 29 June & 27 July 2013

Hate to say it, but looking at the 7 day forecast, nothing is shifting that enormous area of high pressure from the South West and if anything temperatures are set to rise to the low 30's. There are many predicting that this hot weather could last until August. What we need is rain but there is none in sight. Two more weeks of this and there is no way that high speed steam will be allowed to run on the ECML because of the power needed to get Bittern up to the 90's, as there are bound to be sparks galore hitting the line side with inevitable consequences!

 

I noticed yesterday that there have been embankment fires on the A1(M) in the Wetherby area - and that's without any type of train passing by!

 

That will be down to the flare out of my exhaust on turbo shutdown when I saw that speed camera!!!

 

It's a fast running pacific and shouldn't really need to be worked that hard to get up to 90mph down Stoke of all places. Even going over the summit without a hard climb it should reach 90 mph with time to spare before shutting down for the 75 mph bridge restriction. Even from, say, a gentle (ish), 50 - 55 over the top, those first 3 miles, (almost), at 1/178 down should see rapid acceleration. Then a couple more miles on the 1/200 down before braking for Little Bytham. And maybe because of the heat problems there will be a relaxation of the 75 mph limit just for this run to make certain?

But with the heatwave continuing that may be the only place 90mph could be reached with easy driving, which is not really the objective. As well as the issue of causing lineside fires almost anywhere, regardless of speed etc.

That part of the world was mentioned again yesterday and today so far as heat was concerned, and my own view is that maybe a postponement would be a better option?

 

Ken

I think Network Rail East Coast may reach the same conclusion and a postponement looks a distinct possibility - unless there is a dramatic change of weather patterns and the good old low weather fronts come in off the Atlantic with its associated downpours.

Just seen that Pathfinders are running a 90mph tour York-Newcastle-York next week and this tour must also be at serious risk of cancellation of postponement?

Nick

 

I am looking at things on the York Newcastle York one and already put in a days holiday to be out to see it all happen... is there any news on whether the tour might run, be postponed, or be assisted by a diesel... ??

 

I think the moment there is any news it will be here.

At present the forecast for the next week for Darlington is warm to hot, possibly very hot, with maybe a thundery shower on Tuesday.

 

I was actually at Stoke Bank yesterday waiting for Oliver Cromwell on The Jolly Fisherman. Before she arrived we had the most amazing thunderstorm, which turned the roads into rivers. The water soon drained away/evaporated, but a few more of those might ease the situation.

 

Cigarettes.......

 

If Aus are still batting mid afternoon can we have the first of those at Trent Bridge please?

With the rest between York and Newcastle.

 

So thats why you're not getting your archives sorted as quickly as you would like.....you're watching the slow sport !!!!! lol....Pete

 

Unless there's some rain due, I'd say postpone, will just annoy everyone to ruin such an event if it's unlikely to be repeated, if we are going to do it, then lets do it properly, a 67 pushing at 90MPH just won't do under such special circumstances.

 

Too right.

That has to be a 90mph run with steam only.

Not just for history, but for the prices paid for the tickets!

 

I'm sure NR would be willing to allow the 90mph ticket to be used on any potential postponements.

Anybody know any stations where she might hit 90mph on the Capital Streak. Was thinking of seeing her somewhere that she might be doing 90mph then see her arrive back at Kings Cross.

 

Does anyone know of any plans for Bittern after the scheduled high speed runs?

I'd like to have a run behind her later in the year, the's nothing I can see on uksteam.info yet

 

Talk at the NRM today was that she's booked for an intermediate overhaul after the 90mph runs. This was from a steward, not the Bittern team I hasten to add.

 

Northbound time are on UK Steam.info now. No surprise it's an even time booking to Newcastle. Just, at 78 mins. With 39 mins to passing Darlington, 44 miles.

 

Any idea from what point North of York she will be doing 90?

 

Search this thread and someone posted a list of the approved 90mph stretches.