71000

As has been pointed out before, steam locomotives are feminine, even when named Duke! An idiosyncrasy that I believe adds charm and colour to the English language. I should be sorry to see the traditional form lost.

 

As exemplified by one of the GCR's drivers who once said to me: "Sir Lamiel - she's a beauty!"

 

I actually wrote she then changed it because it just didn't seem right....

 

Looks like she is coming together.

 

As I've just posted on the 2024 Entry/Withdrawal thread, there was a fire in the loco at the weekend at the members day. Still a lot to do, including manufacture a new inside connecting rod - fourth one in 30 years of operation!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0ZU021tptb/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

Interesting...has anyone questioned this rod problem or done some FEA?

 

First one was replaced during BR service, second one was cut up after withdrawal, this is the preservation era one that has cracked. It's seen about 18 years of service.

 

I didn't know the history, so fair enough .

 

A Unique design... would have been a good candidate for the roller bearing big end they trialled on the Royal scots.

 

Eric Langridge goes into this in 'Under 10 CMEs Vol 2'.

 

Nice to see 71000 coming back together, never seen it running sadly.

Quite interesting trying to identify all the locos/bits of loco in the video!

chris

 

I've been lucky enough to do so - on the ECML too. You'll get your chance

 

Went over Shap behind her - 49 at the summit, equalled only by Tornado in my experience. Difference being you could still see the scenery with Tornado - glad I wasn’t on the shovel on the Duke. Hopefully she will be a lot less clagy on return to duty.


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71000 is a very impressive performer. Travelled on a fair few trips with her when she was operating in the South. Two that stay in the mind were a trip to Weymouth at the head of the Green train stock. She lifted the train and the diesel on the rear out of Weymouth and up Upwey bank in fine style. The sound was superb. I will try and find out the date as I took a sound recording.
The other trip that stays with me is a run over the South Devon banks. 71000 got stuck on the Dainton flange greasers on the outward run as the Class 67 that was coupled behind the tender due to brake problems failed to come to life to assist. On the return run 71000 tackled the Banks I was told without assistance from the Class 67 and put up a magnificent performance. This was the trip:


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Had a lovely afternoon out with it on the SVR in 2009 going to pick up the missus’s Birthday present in Bridgnorth…
When I got home my mum said something like ‘If you had a car you just could have drove’
Dad’s reply was along the lines of ‘But it wouldn’t have been as much fun as with ‘The Duke’ would it?’ Very much with a massive smile on his face!
Without wanting to rub it in I’ve also had it on the mainline with 70000… Bescot open day 1992 they both top and tailed a shuttle service to one of the loops and back. No complaints about rear end assistance from anyone then

 

Have done a handful of trips behind the Duke. Best one by far was the Shap time trial back in October 1995. An amazing run and the sound from up front was incredible. All suitably recorded for posterity.

 

Are you suggesting Al that the Railway Touring Company should add a diesel to their series of Royal Duchy tours? [BJ]

 

Don’t think we will see the Duke perform like this again.