Brighton Atlantic: 32424 Beachy Head

One of the quirks of being loco crew is that I still haven't had a ride behind it! I did get to fire the loco again on Sunday though for three trips. The GN Saloon had been knocked off for the Sunday so we just had the five Mark 1s, but the loco performed really well all day, despite an afternoon that turned into a light mizzle that could have screwed up adhesion. Certainly no problems with steaming.

I'm on the loco again next Sunday - I'm already past the point where I have fired it more than I have Sir Archie (on current ticket)!

Tom

 

A few phone photos from today's charter

Once I have had time to process those in my camera I will upload some more.

 

0A8A2915 by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

Those are great. Phones are so good now I rarely get my big camera out except for landscape type zoom shots.

 

It was nice to have a day admiring 32424 on Tuesday, thanks to Jon Bowers and a team of willing volunteers on the photocharter. Lovely bit of kit

32424 at speed by Stephen Morley, on Flickr
"Beachy Head" in Autumn by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Just a shame we didn’t have even one burst of sunshine. Was a good day nonetheless.

 

I think East Grinstead is thataway.
Tuesday at the Bluebell.

 

I’ve seen some quite striking photos of the loco in mist which I’m tempted to run in the next BT because they are quite different from most shots I get to see.

Tom

 

Your very own Jon Bowers got a nice misty shot on Monday.

 

Looking at that second picture, I am just blown away by the accuracy of the presentation. People try so hard to recreat the past in photographs and no end of minor details usually give the game away. But here........there is nothing* except the photographic technology to suggest that this is 2024 and not 1954. Not only is the loco right but I suspect uniquely for a Southern - be it SR or BR(S) - representation the coaching stock is made up into a proper 4 car formation with a brake at either end. I can't help but get all @The Gricing Owl about the authenticy of this shot. For me it is the photograph of the year. Well done to everyone involved in the creation of it and thank you @Hampshire Unit for posting it

Peter

*OK so you might have spotted the pretty inconspicious flat bottomed rail used on this section of line, but if that is the only give away I think my case stands.

 

Aren't the coaches missing a set number though Peter?

 

If you look at pictures up thread taken from the other side you will see the Set No 516 is clearly visible on the end of the leading BSK. I think they were only carried on the r/h side in the leading direction.

Peter

 

Thank you. Yes they did seem to be only one side, although never realised the "logic" behind it.

 

You've laid down a challenge to find something, Peter. I had spotted the flat bottom rail and concrete sleeper and the only other thing I can suggest is the lack of a pole route. However, these are really nit-picking in what are virtually perfect representations of the early 50's.

 

Jon Bowers is normally quite fastidious in setting up photo charters with a particular recreation in mind.

Tom

 

This is probably as good a place as any to mention that for those people who are on Facebook, there is a new group covering work within Atlantic House which - despite the name - is well sourced, being admin'd by the editor of the newly renamed Atlantic House News newsletter. The scope is to cover the overhaul of No. 96 and - eventually - 488 plus any news about 32424.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2012747819179500

Tom

 

Haha, you make me sound like a proper gricer! But seriously, Tim Robbins has to take the credit after pointing out that one of the last regular workings of the Atlantics back in the day was on Brighton - Bournemouth trains, often using a set of 4 blood and custard Mk1s with a brake marshalled at each end. Once given the idea it seemed rude not to go for it, with many thanks to the Ops staff for doing the necessary shunting.

 

It does indeed look as all SR and BR standard locos (those used on the SR), should look.

31065 next?

Bryan

 

The only thing missing to offset the 4 coach set would be a PMV or CCT in either green or carmine.