Clan Line 2022

Yes, where as further north, they earn their keep !

 

Some photos and video now up

https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/MainlineSteam/Steam-Tours-in-2022/

 

Yes. Herne Hill is not easy but Tulse Hill is much worse, with a climb on a very sharp curve. It's a pity WCRC don't have the same pride - 60103 at Redhill the other night had the 47 firing up pointlessly even when 6 early and running well. They just have to fiddle with the handles don't they!

 

I think it’s steeper than that a bit further back.

 

The approach control there does seem harsh (by "walking pace", I'm guessing it's therefore 5-10mph?) - isn't the junction speed at least 20mph? Does anyone happen to know the Tulse Hill gradient? Even if less steep, the curve is a killer.

 

I've just seen this fron the RTC site - you might think a heritage rail operator would select a picture that bears more relation to the tour, rather than the oddity of the double-header in Kent (2010?) - there are plenty of shots around of 35028 solo to the West of England. A small thing, but it seems lazy.

 

Thanks - that's a horrible combination of gradient and curvature - reminds me of Clapham Junction p17 which has reverse curves and a climb into the platform at the London end - tricky to get away cleanly there too.

 

I remember that grade from 1964! As a thirteen year old we travelled south from our annual Scottish holiday on the season's last Glasgow (St Enochs) - Newhaven Car-sleeper (remember them?). Black 5 45299 took over the heavy train at Willesden and because of late running we were routed from the West London Line via Brixton and Herne Hill instead of joining the Brighton line at Clapham Junction. So at the height of the morning peak we were brought to a stand by signals on that steep curve approaching West Norwood Junction, with our rear blocking Tulse Hill Junction. Well try as he might there was no way that Black 5 could get the train going again from there. With the morning peak well stitched up it seemed to my young perception that it took ages before a Crompton (that a class 33 to you youngsters) eventually appeared from Norwood Junction to drag us out of this hole. Fortunately the diesel came off at Norwood Junction and we eventually continued on to Newhaven on what was the last scheduled steam working into the town.

It might be a long time ago now, but this is one of those memories that last for ever.

Peter

 

Getting up to speed through Worplesdon today:

 

My video of the BBP on 8 April, working very hard through Chilworth, with the unusual sight of 67014 at the rear.

 

Yes it was on the back for the last trip for the same reason, quite memorable listening to 28 dragging the extra dead weight up to Tulse Hill. I asked the driver about it at the Shalford stop, 70% cut off and left the regulator where he felt the engine was happy with it.

 

That's correct (as my video intro. says), but the unusual part was that it wasn't a Pullman-liveried 67. I was also interested to observe the relative progress of the c600 ton steam working and the previous train but one up the bank, which was a GWR 769 (empty on test) and which was no faster and probably actually a tad slower, both being non-stop from Guildford. The 769s are reported to be under-powered on diesel.

 

I think there are two Belmond liveried 67s, one is currently out of service, not sure about the other one, It may be working today’s trip to Aintree.

 

I’ve just seen a picture of today’s train on FB, it was a normal DB 67so I don’t know what’s happened to the other Belmond one.

 

I have seen conflicting reports about the Belmond working on Friday 22nd April. RH has it as steam around Surrey, while 'Railtours 2022' has it as going to Gillingham. Is anyone able to confirm which, please?