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Diesel Assistance?

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Kylchap, Dec 16, 2015.

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  1. Kylchap

    Kylchap Member

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    I'm new to the forum, so apologies if this has been dealt with already.

    How can you tell if a WCRC train is being pushed by the diesel at the rear? I recently travelled behind 46233 (my first time behind a duchess) and was amazed at how quickly and smoothly she left York station. So much so that I suspected the diesel was helping. I spoke to the driver of the duchess at the water stop and he said there was no pushing. One of the volunteers on the train told me that the diesel is kept ticking over to carry its own weight, but does no more unless the steam loco is in trouble.
    If this is correct, I'm very impressed both by 46233 and the skill of the driver.

    Is there any way of telling whether the diesel is pushing if you are inside one of the coaches?
     
    Kylchap, Dec 16, 2015
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  2. guycarr360

    guycarr360 Part of the furniture

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    mmmmm I will sit back and wait for the debate to go nuclear on this one!!!!!
     
    guycarr360, Dec 16, 2015
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  3. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I don't know if it was the same trip but I photographed the Duchess romping away from March last week and there was certainly no assistance from the diesel. The Duchess is a very impressive machine, probably only matched by aMerchant Navy
     
    Johnb, Dec 16, 2015
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  4. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    RalphW, Dec 16, 2015
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