CathEx to Holyhead Wed 1st March

Not surpising really...she was timed for a max of 134!

Operational Information

• Schedule from VSTP
• Timed for 134mph max
• Diesel locomotive, trailing load 400 tonnes

 

Yep, WCRC just quietly get on with beating Mallard's record, whilst the A1ST are making a big hooha about 90mph running!

 

On 14-6-2014 when the CCE arrived back at Carnforth behind 48151 there was some delay in switching the coaches from vacuum to air. I think the electric that was taking over for the return to Euston must have been Les Ross, though I'm not certain. Someone who I think was the driver of the electric told me that they could run the train on vacuum if necessary but that it was better to use air if possible for its quicker response.

 

Agree with all your reasoning there but it still surprises me no alliance has been established other than with Les Ross. There would be difficulties definitely but much else to be gained on the face of things. Wiser minds than mine will have assessed such things though.

 

The leccy was in the naughty siding at Willesden this afternoon, presume awaiting a tow from ROGS who look after it now.

 

And the fact it was in the middle of the afternoon, how many charters pass that way in that direction, at that time of day. Its comparing apples with pears and is frankly a somewhat peculiar thing to be complaining about.

 

Perhaps WCRC would do well to look at an 86 or two of their own with more of the network coming under the wires, This highlights the lack of options if 86259 is unavailable.

 

Might be a 'nice to have' perhaps but is impractical I think. Quite difficult [impossible?] to undertake maintenance of electric locos when no 25Kv OHLE is installed at the depot. It would also be necessary for running to/from the WCML - and I don't think NR's lines that Carnforth connects with are electrified either.

 

Difficult, but not impossible. Didn't 86259 start its operational career in preservation while still based at Tyseley, which is a bit further from 25kV wires than Carnforth?

 

Not sure where the boundary lies but there are sidings alongside the Steamtown entrance which are wired?

 

I'd have thought in a few years time electric haulage on the GWML may become desirable too for a decent path, While there's a couple of diesel classes capable of 100MPH, they can't compete with the sheer acceleration of an electric, 3300HP (?) for a Deltic V 5000HP from an 86.

As for Carnforth not being under the wires, 86259 has been based at Willesden/Rugby the last few years, Nothing to stop you renting space at a "wired" depot when your Loco is fully operational and not in use.

 

Pair of Class 50s would be just right.


I can't make this start where I want, t=6m22s, anybody know how?

 

Assuming the line that avoids the station (between the station and Steamtown) where WCRC normally marshall stock is wired, then wires definitely extend pass the Steamtown entrance (or at least they did as of c.1100 this morning when I passed).

I think VT used to stable the Pendolino service that terminates at Lancaster there at times?

 

And there is a pair of mainline certified 50's for sale at the moment if you have £250k spare!