Something a bit Different on the "Mainline"

I suspect tha many don't see the regular NYMR services between Grosmont and Whitby are proper "mainline", but trains from Grosmont to Battersby are somewhat rarer and also able to run at higher speed.

From this Saturday until October, there will be an evening steam excursion from Grosmont to Battersby every Saturday evening. The train is principally The North Yorkshire Pullman dining service, but does also convery over 100 non-dining seats for which tickets can be paid on the train. (Dining seats are in limited supply - check availability by ringing 01751 472508)

The trains depart Grosmont just after 19:30 and return around 22:30. The run to Battersby includes some spirited running at speeds up to 45mph with a decent load. Many travelling in the non-ding accommodation on previous and similar trains have brought their own picnics to make an evening of it.

Locomitives likely to be used are 45407 and 76079 up to departure later this month, 75029 and 825 throughout and 30926 when mainline registered. It is possible to use 60007 as well with the trains not going to Whitby.

The two dates when 60007 can't be used are 8th August and 5th September when the trains start from and return to Whitby (similar Whitby times).

The Esk Valley line is very scenic and at present the light holds for almost the entire journey - why not treat yourself to something a little different on Network Rail metals!

Steven Hogg
NYMR

 

Stephen. Thanks very much for this posting this. I guess you'll keep us updated on how it progesses.

Do you have any idea at what stage each week a decision will be taken on which loco could be on the train? I really would like to get runs behind the two ex SR locos at those faster speeds. I do understand that when a decison has been made it can be changed at very short notice!

I'll have to research the local hill walking possibilities as I reckon I may have to take a few trips to achieve my objectives!

 

Well, at the moment I can tell you that it won't be 825 (or 30926) tomorrow night as the loco roster is up on the NYMR Website for the weekend (see http://nymr.co.uk/general-info/locomoti ... ting-today) and the Esk Valley locos on Saturday are 45407 and 75029 (it may be only one is given a fitness to run and does all the Esk Valley running).

Once Ian's locos are on their summer travels, it should be at least a 50:50 chance of a Southern loco - but those are still not brilliant odds for Bryan coming from Kent, I realise!

There are certainly plenty of walking opportunities around both around the NYMR and the Esk Valley branch.

Anyone who is thinking of travelling tomorrow evening - I will be trainee guard (hopefully have my exam on route knowledge) on the train.

Steven

 

More very useful information.

It is about time I got up to that part of world. There are some locos I really would like to meet up with. One in particular, (see below).

I think I'll start researching the hill walking opportunities and try and base a trip if/when one of my favoured locos is working on the NYMR itself. So at least I get a run behind it, even if it isn't on the faster stretch. So if anyone knows any challenging walks in the area, (I like to do a bit of low grade scrambling during a hill walk if I can), then please point me in the right direction. Circa ten miles with as much ascent as possible! I am a glutton for punishment.

Now that special loco you have up there. 34101. Gordon Porter and Tom Moult were a great steam crew and were very well know to us timers in the 1960s. Gordon is in an elite group of three drivers known to have got a Merchant Navy Pacific up to the 3,000 ihp mark, (or as near as makes no difference). He did that with 35028 on an up Bournemouth express with 35028. Accelerating to 103 mph on the level at Fleet. There is no doubt he would have had a go at a "ton" that night I rode with him, had he had better steam pressure. But I suspect with that load and being on the local line, (with the need to slow for Farnborough), he would have got no more than the high 90s.

But at least the loco is still around!



As a footnote. I've checked my records and see I was on the footplate to Surbiton. We were stopped at Weybridge after a very fast start from Woking. And restarting from Weybridge Gordon didn't use full regulator once, (his driving style was generally "flat out" on the basis if he was ever late it would be someone elses fault!). Reckon Tom must have been getting tired. He'd had a rough trip on the down working with another loco, (34037), that needed a lot of hard work.

 

Cracking run with 45407 last Saturday - I know it is no surprise to anyone on here that Ian certainly keeps the loco in tip-top condition, spot on beat, plenty of power to be gently applied (remember the wine/soup etc!) when possible. Inspector Wilkinson certainly seemed to enjoy himself at the helm!

60007 is definitely going to have run on Pullman - I will check the exact date and post when I know it.

Steven

 

Looks like 45407 or 825 for tomorrow night on The North Yorkshire Pullman.

Pool of weeked locos on NYMR at http://nymr.co.uk/general-info/locomoti ... ting-today

Details of Battersby non-dining trips at http://nymr.co.uk/news/esk-valley-satur ... excursions

Steven

 

Anyone watching the DVD "Sir Nigel Gresley-on the Mainline" would get a wonderful view on how the North Yorkshire is run.What a brilliant advert to the company.It stirred the emotions.

Hope the season does well,and a credit for restoring Sir Nigel.May it long reign.Anyone not booking on these trips are missing a journey of a lifetime.

Just a pity I live so far away.