2010 'TORBAY EXPRESS'

I'd say so. I'm waiting until these Bristol - Weymouth trains that 5029 is doing. Much much cheaper!

 

My video of The Torbay Express - 25th July 2010 - with 71000 Duke of Gloucester. Videos taken at Dawlish on the outward run and Tiverton Parkway on the return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjX8LVJTLOQ

 

Watched 71000 through Starcross, very impressive!

 

I believe the "Whiteball Challenge" speed was a little over 50mph, but we still arrived Taunton ahead of time, as we did pretty much everywhere else all day. Some smart running from a superb locomotive, coupled with perfect TE weather. Nice, noisy climb of Torre bank, very enjoyable.The earlier return to Bristol is good, especially for those travelling onward, but the slow seawall run is now a little dispappointing especially as it is one of the main selling points of this trip.Hopefully some compromise can be achieved next season. I don't know the reason for next weeks cancellation but this train appeared to be well filled. After all the years that the TE has been running it is heart warming to see the crowds that still turn out to wave it along, especially in the evening.

 

We're booked for the 8th August trip now, anyone else going to be on that journey?

Looking forward to seeing and riding behind the Duke, first for me!

 

Is that going to be 71000 or 6024? If the former I might come down and join you.

 

My understanding is that 71000 is booked for 8th and 15th. I'm on the 15th.

I’m still marvelling at the times 71000 posted on Sunday morning.

 

Got our tickets today for the 8th August trip, it's so exciting, really looking forward to it!

Mrs Steve is a bit annoyed that it's going to be 71000 and not 6024, as she thinks our copper kettles are much prettier than the standard run of the mill BR fare (she's right too!) but as I haven't seen 71000 yet I'm not too displeased. Maybe the trip on "The Pride of Swindon" later in the year will make it up to her.

 

Which end is "peasant" class please, Bristol or Kingswear?

 

Bristol

 

Our confirmation letter says they don't know until the day.

 

If you mean 'Standard', the formation is standard at the rear Bristol to Kingswear and at the front Kingswear to Bristol. The loco support coach is between the loco and 'Standard'. As far as I am concerned 'Standard' is the only way to travel on the TE if you want the real spirit of the run.

By the way (for regulars out there) youngest son Philip won the 'Whiteball Challenge' last weekend! Surprisingly he hasn't spent the cash yet.

 

This is fascinating stuff! Please do explain why "the spirit" of the run is in any way related to whether you are in first or standard.

Living in the SE,I've never travelled on the TE,but as a veteran of dozens of other steam trips I will usually travel in first for 2 very good reasons.If you are 6' 4" and on the remotely a'hem "generously proportioned" side it is pretty well impossible to get any degree of comfort in a standard bay of 4,and secondly as a dedicated window hangar,there is often less competition for a vacant droplight in first.

 

Cheers. Saves me booking posh class to get a recording of the climb of Torre Bank.

 

Does the stock get turned then?

 

We stood on a road bridge 4 miles out of exeter and "The Duke" was looking and sounding good. Great to see her back on the mainline).

Jim S

 

No its always the same way round.

 

According to the Duke of Gloucester website, 6024 is operating the TE on the 15th. However the website states that the TE is going to Plymouth on the 22nd August with 71000

 

That'll be a blow to those who have booked on it specifically to travel behind the Duke, no disrespect to 6024 by the way.

It would appear that 71000 has replaced 60163 on TBEL trips on 22nd and 28th August and 19th Sept according to the 71000 website which was updated 24th July but confusingly the A1ST website, also updated 24th July, stills shows Tornado as doing those dates. :noidea:

Dave B

 

As a "Friend" of the Duke, I hadn't travelled main line with her before until last Monday on the Lickey trip and i was thinking of another trip with her on on the 15th myself. Now i think it will be on the 22nd especially as the website says it's going to Plymouth however I think the Duke website must be incorrect in this matter.

Regards
Brian