61306 Easterling 8/3/15

My Video:

Locations:
Hitchin Flyover, Lakenheath, Reedham Swing Bridge.

 

The morning departure from Potters Bar. A lovely sure footed powerful sounding event it was too.

 

wow that hitchin flyover shot is a corker. Glad to see you made Lakenheath on time this time round

 

Cheers. Yeah, got to Lakenheath with time to spare. You can play spot the drone on the Hitchin Flyover clip, as the guy from Railnet was there.

 

You mentioned the D word on here! Cerberus will be on your trouser leg before you can utter another word

 

@Big Al - if that was you I was chatting to when I got off, it was good to have a chat with you and I hope our group were not too much trouble.

The run up the bank at beccles was indeed a cracking run, three minor slips well held on a damp ish rail, the echo in the still ish air from hitchin will remain in my memory for a long time to come. To echo your comments thank you, to wcr, rtc and of course 61306 owner and support crew, she really is a treasure to behold. Absolutely faultless.

 

I had to google Cerberus. Sounds a bit scary. Not related to your new hound I hope!

 

I was in Hitchin station car park doing sound as she opened up coming off the branch. Fantastic stuff. A good day out all round. Hitchin Flyover, Wymondham, Reedham swing bridge and Oulton swing bridge.
Pictures to come later.

 

Managed to get this at Finsbury Park this morning ...

 

Hitchin Flyover - drone zapped in Photoshop.
61306 'Mayflower' Hitchin Flyover by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

Hitchin Flyover
61306 'Mayflower' Hitchin Flyover by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

Wymondham
61306 'Mayflower' Wymondham by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

 

So this was the picture you were telling me about.

 

I'm sure the "photoshop out the wires" brigade wouldn't agree with me, but that picture encapsulates all that is near unique and fascinating about UK mainline steam, Heritage stuff just thrown into the every day hurly burly of the modern railway. You have to accept that one day this kind of thing simply isn't going to be allowed to happen so you really have to enjoy it while it exists.

 

Only a couple from me as I was mainly window hanging one of yours truly sooted up, I was laughed at by one of the wcr staff, I enjoyed myself which is the main thing.

Highlights, flyover and the ispwich curve for unchartered track.

The run from ispwich curve and flying through stowmarket at what felt near 75mph was very impressive.

The climb from hitchin through letchworth was dealt briskly. Also the sheer number of people who turned out in Suffolk at all of the stations was a sight, don't know if it was on the local media or anything, must of beaten there monthly passenger numbers at a few of them!

Regards

A red eyed James

 

Just to add to what has already been said, thanks to all who made yesterday happen. Thoroughly enjoyable day throughout. 61306 was very impressive and it seemed as if half of Suffolk had turned out to see it judging by the amount of people lining the platforms on the return run from Lowestoft!

 

Many thanks for the information.

 

61306 ran like an absolute sewing machine. All credit to its owner, support crew and WCRC crew. It was the first steam to Lowestoft in six years, and I heard the locals comment on this with some degree of sorrow. It was one of those trips where I felt the best place was to be on the train- it was also good to be reacquainted with some of the Southern chapter of Nat Pres. At least the fun and games between Cambridge and Stevenage was not as serious as that experienced between South Milford and Brighouse on Saturday...

 

Best UK steam tour for awhile IMO.
LNER loco in E Anglia
Hitchin flyover. Bacon curve both firsts
Newmarket is v rare and a first for me. Maybe if repeated it could go the other way round to see Newmarket in daylight.
A B1 at the buffers at KX is remarkable in 2015. It'll happen again if it pilots 45690 on GB8...!!!
I suspect that 61306 may do further work in Suffolk and Norfolk .........! The engine is so right and the 75mph is useful
For me the highlight was the public out to watch on the E Suffolk let alone at KX
SOON. 2 more LNER locos to Redmire - March is a LNER LOCO FEST
Ray Mason

 

I would welcome a repeat as I couldn't make this one apart from viewing from the line side. Other runs in East Anglia would be of interest too.