WEYMOUTH SEASIDE EXPRESS

With all the rain we have had this week I can assure you that the lineside is very damp. At the point where Nunney Castle is filmed, the loco is gently pulling away from a 15 mph speed restriction at Dundas Aqueduct. The acceleration away from Westbury and Frome was as you would expect from a Castle ....superb!! <BJ>

 

Nunney Castle powering through Newton St. Loe (Bath) slightly late at 21:22. Going like the wind. <BJ>

 

Heres my video of the train;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fNcgFRbew0

 

According to a friend on the train, the fireman wasn't doing all that well from the start and one of the support crew took over/showed him how to fire the loco between Bath and Westbury, and also built the fire up at Yeovil.

 

A general question: do locomotive crews have to give a warning when approaching a public foot crossing? I mention this as it did not happen in Nick's second clip or the public foot crossing that I was stood next to yesterday. I certainly am not criticising but wondered if any rule had been changed in recent years. <BJ>

 

A driver friend of mine told me a while ago that the rules on sounding horns has changed. I forget the exact details but there are instances when a warning is not required.

 

The rule that I am thinking of is when a train enters a tunnel. There is no need of a
warning sound on todays rail system. Not too sure of a foot crossing though. <BJ>

 

There is no whistle board there Bill, I was behind a fence so no the wrong side,I did raise my hand to show the driver( on my side, good old GWR RH drive!) I had seen the train(!) but got no response.
There are a few crossing in the Yetminster,Chetnole area but are mainly vehicle crossing and you could hear the warning toot as they approached. Another foot crossing I go to, on a footpath from Redford, does have whistle boards!!!

 

Martin,34067 is planned AFAIK with a LE s/b from Crewe on sat. However, this is a "heads up"-its still only Monday after all!
There may be a guaging issue with 6024 on the Weymouth route--perhaps NR employee/ 6024 insider can say if this is true/short term/long term?

 

Tangers the go anywhere loco (just about) to the fore again! 6024 has worked to Weymouth on more than one occasion previously so would appear there may be some issues that prevent her use at the moment, I know have there been tighter controls over the heavier locos on the line in past year or so (Class 37/7 diesel not allowed on part of route) and there are speed limits for loco hauled trains I assume due to condition of the track, could that be the reason? Sorry no specific inside info DH

 

Another fantastic run on Sunday with 5029 performing faultlessly.

 

Anybody know which loco will be working the train on Sunday?

Have to agree Ben, Nunney was in fine form both runs Ive seen.

 

I will answer my own question....David on UK Steam says Tangmere.

 

There was a very good one and a half page article in the Bristol Evening Post yesterday, 26th July, featuring the 'Weymouth Seaside Express'.

''All Aboard Nostalgia Express'' ''Liz Webster joined day-trippers on the 'Weymouth Express', a steam locomotive excursion to the south coast and a journey back in time for rail lovers''.

The history of the locomotive was given and details of the departure from Bristol TM and route south. The article in general was very good indeed. <BJ>

 

As I posted inpost 51 34067 confirmed Sun 31 July (N.D. 27/7)

 

Sorry Ray, guilty of not reading posts I missed, sorry.

 

Great run Ben , was on the run. Performed well all day.
Just one question though, whats the great roar up the chimney as it starts to pull away, this seems to be a characteristic thing of 5029? I haven't noticed other loco's that do it.