The Bluebell Explorer 09/11/2013

I saw it at Hill Place Farm Bridge on its way to SP and Braunton slipped slightly prior to the summit, and on the return at West Hoathly where the Black 5 slipped after exiting the tunnel.

 

1324 arrived East Grinstead station, 1326 off, -6, slipping again.

 

The full set of my photos from this morning's Grosvenor Bank / London Victoria arrival and then rather thrilling departure. Obviously click on an individual image to enlarge and then click again for an even larger view:

The Blue Bell Explorer Grosvenor Bank

 

Very quick turnaround at Oxted, 1351 dep for Uckfield

Nice pictures, big turn out despite the weather.

 

The Caterham line has been closed all day owing to a road vehicle on the line. When I passed Whyteleafe level crossing this morning there was a large police presence and a road/rail vehicle was being unloaded to recover the vehicle. Another satnav. instruction taken too literally, I wonder?

 

My photos taken at Hill Place Farm Bridge( raining at the time just like last week) and West Hoathly can be found at http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p729675915.
The best one being 44932 at West Hoathly http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p729675915/h1ffb6206#h1ffb6206

 

On our way back 44932 working hard, there's really some crowds.. Crowborough foot bridge looked like a football terrace.

 

Just past Eridge, with a 33 and 0-6-0ST waiting in the station, exchanging whistles!..
Were about 4 early, speed almost reached 60 at one point .. Almost, back into the 40's again.

 

44932 really struggled coming up past Three Arch Bridge and slipped twice, although made good video footage

 

Headcode for "to LMSR via West London line", I assume?

Tom

 

Good stuff. Many thanks.

I reckon you're getting ready for a running commentary on a 90 mph run soon!

 

Was Braunton doing any work? If not, 9 coaches + the weight of Braunton must be about 450 tons. I don't know what limit we have set a Black 5, but that is beyond our load limit for a Std 5 in that direction. I'm guessing pretty lousy railhead condition as well!

Tom

 

Was that a guess or did you know. Acording to my Ian Alan ABC of Headcodes you are absolutely righr

 

Via semgonline.com. I'm not that nerdy (despite appearances…) I know the ones we use and a few others for particular lines that interest me and where I have numerous photos, but not to the extent of knowing the vagaries of every bit of route knowledge around London.

Nice to know that someone at RTC has (presumably) thought about it though!

Tom

 

It didn't seem like 34046 was providing much assistance at the rear to help 44932. Hopefully will get the video uploaded tonight onto youtube then will link it on here for you to see.

 

Turned into a bit of a circus at Santerstead, a 15 minute stop became a 35 min, delaying the service train behind,
We are currently 10mph running between Santerstead, SouthCroydon towards East Croydon.

Edit:Currently negotiating Selhurts bridges, the delay is due to unscheduled watering of Braunton (only 44932 was booked for Water).

 

It certainly seemed that way at Kingscote!!

And the railhead conditions wouldn't have been good, even the service trains were struggling....................................

Anyway a couple of shots from me, I'd forgotten this tour was running............................ I actually went for the Black 5, which sadly wasn't, so the tour was a bit of a Billy Bonus!!

34046

44932

 

Since sanderstead, we've been averaging this...
(Now walking through Herne Hill, discovered why Streatham Hill has Its name...)

 

Acording to RTT you were 27 late into Vic. That must put a dent into the promoters profits

 

From counting the coaches on the vids it looks like load 11 plus Braunton so no surprise at some slipping