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Torbay Express 2018

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by 1020 Shireman, Jan 13, 2018.

  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    What? 13 plus a Class 66 - i.e. about 17 coaches? Would like to see the video of that!
     
  2. GWR

    GWR Member

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    Will try & load video when I return home tomorrow


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  3. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    So would I bearing in mind No.9 has stalled there in the past with a normal load.
     
  4. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    142FE8A6-8E87-4B1C-9F5F-2986E78A39F6.jpeg Norton Fitzwarren this morning after water stop at Taunton.
     
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  5. Roosterrory

    Roosterrory Member

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    It wasn't. Around half the load.

    There are very few locos that would be able to pull the equivalent of 17 coaches up goodrington at linespeed. An A4 is not one of them!
     
  6. GC Met

    GC Met New Member

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    Not my video , the 66 doing all the work at Whiteball and Tiverton Parkway .
     
  7. pwsw5054

    pwsw5054 Member

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    BOA on the way out and Avoncliff on the return. As expected it was coasting at both places!
     
  8. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    I know it's a commercial thing and many passengers don't object to how the Torbay Express is run, but what a really sad sight seeing No.9, in it's final year of service on the mainline, being pushed around by a diesel.
     
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  9. coalboy

    coalboy New Member

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    Fire risk
     
  10. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    Think I don't know that? The point is it really is sad to see a great engine reduced to that; a smoke for show machine..
     
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  11. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I agree. And just as sad is the fact that the moment UoSA escapes from the national network, the DSR crew give it a workout on their line, albeit with a bit of help. But at least people got to hear the loco working. Hopefully there was the opportunity to get the A4 and the King in the same frame for a photo somewhere.
     
  12. 6026 King John

    6026 King John Well-Known Member

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    Couldn't agree more. I fully accept the fire-risk situation but my opinion is that it is better to run with diesel only in the circumstances. It would be a lot more straightforward, would save wasting coal, water and support crew time. I know it's a commercial thing as you say, but do people really believe they have been on a steam train trip just because there's a steam engine emitting a bit of smoke on the front?
     
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  13. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Quite agree but the received wisdom from those "at the sharp end" is that a show pony is more welcome than no pony. Plus it allows for the moot claim of being "steam hauled" and therefore able to better mitigate any complaints. It's not satisfactory to me but if thats the way businessess choose to manage things in order to prosper the market will ultimately decide.
     
  14. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    As the hot and dry conditions continue the only way we'll be able to experience steam on the main line is when it's accompanied by a diesel. It's not ideal but I don't fancy a summer without a main line steam fix.

    I went to my local station at Keynsham yesterday to see No.9 pass through. I didn't have a camera, for obvious reasons, and so was able to really appreciate the sight and sound of the loco which was working hard with no apparent assistance from the diesel. I almost shivered as the crew sounded a nice long blast on the chime whistle. Young children were so excited and had big beaming smiles on their faces, us 'older' kids were also very happy.

    As has been mentioned it's not good to have a diesel in the consist but in the present climate, no diesel = no steam. <BJ>
     
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2018
  15. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Worth also remembering that no steam = no hire fee for loco owner = possible cashflow problem.
     
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  16. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Good point, might also be the case the promoter is contractually obliged to hire the loco unless there is an outright prohibition on steam usage.
     
  17. D1796

    D1796 New Member Account Suspended

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    Lets just have the shed on its own next time then, Keep the teapot on shed next time.
     
  18. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    I'm not sure what you are trying to say, first you seem to be referring to a diesel as a 'shed' and then in the same sentence you refer to a shed meaning, well, a shed where steam and diesel locos are kept in an enclosed building, but where does the tea brewing pot come into this?
     
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  19. D1796

    D1796 New Member Account Suspended

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    Your being very obtuse,not exactly the behaviour you would expect from a moderator, your calling me out for having an agenda, Yet following me around with your own,
    Seems a tad strange to me,
     
  20. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    Can we have that in English please ?
     
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