LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

Let's try again;
I'll put these here rather than under the 71000 thread.

An overall dull day greeted 71000 on its return to the main line. It was however a pleasant surprise to see the tour set behind the engine.
A walk for Chirk viaduct and taking a chance Cosford station; the next service to Shrewsbury was actually in the platform !. At neither location did I feel the loco wasn't working.

 

I guess being the dress rehearsal this was likely to happen in places. The 57 was doing a bit up the hill through Albrighton but the Duke was still being worked, albeit moderately. Hopefully shareholders and members are treated to something a bit more lively, otherwise what's the point. Some of the previous talk about it's past exploits will be in the realms of fantasy on its new ticket. We'll do well to get a fraction of it's past performances in the coming years. Still, it's great to have it back and looking forward to seeing how it shapes up.

 

Not too impressive at Stafford but approaching signals due to ECS Dmu one section ahead.

 

After the previous days sunny afternoon today was full dull for the first day of the three days of test runs, Duke of Gloucester races passed Sytch Lane, Mill Meece on the last leg back to Crewe.

 

The Duke is seen arriving into Shrewsbury and then being dragged back out. 71000 is then caught on the move through Cosford and then just up the hill at an empty Albrighton sounding well.

 

Well it looks magnificent...too good to use..seems nowt wrong with it to me...

 

Interesting postion on platform 3 for the first shot

 

Considering it’s hardly done any mainline mileage and had to have some remedial work after its previous testing and that there probably still trying to set the engine up so it’s happy, maybe there being cautious, work the loco in gently and build confidence.

 

Not my first choice as I turned up quite late and there was already a gallery in position.