Dorset Coast Express, July - August 2011

Uk steam currently showing as TBA for return trip and RTC site has no update beyond 30777 and 70013 being the power for the last 2 trips for this year DH

 

I believe DofNZ has been cooling since last week allowing it to undergo a scheduled boiler washout at Swanage - so would appear to be out of the running for 'Thunderbird' duties on tomorrow's DCE.
Suspect the loco's owner would not like his A4 being subjected to the risk of excessive stress/strain getting on/off road trailers. I'm sure I read somewhere that owners use road transport as something approaching "the last resort" in view of previous Cartazzi truck problems affecting other A4's.
Early loco turning moves out of Swanage did indeed go to Yeovil Junction but, latterly, have used the Eastleigh depot loop as, I understand, it is more convenient operationally.
Believe 4492 might depart Swanage for Eastleigh on 12th or 13th in readiness for it's next booked duty hauling The Bath Spa Express between Poole and Bristol TM on the 14th.

 

I am told 70013 will haul the return from Southampton via Andover tomorrow, but this is NOT confirmed and I don't have the return times.

I guess the times will probably be something like 26 July:
www.uksteam.info/tours/t11/t0726a.htm

David

 

Given the dull weather forecast for tomorrow's early afternoon, and purely because I haven't seen it running before, looks like it is going to be watch/photo 70013 come in and back the stock up into Jubilee sidings then home.

 

This, indeed, does seem to be the plan. Loco. 70013.

 

OC through West Byfleet approx. 7 mins down. 47 at rear.

 

Oliver Cromwell at some speed through Chiswick at 0914 this morning. Photo taken at the Grove Park Terrace crossing west of Chiswick station:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36605184@N02/6119327665

 

Saw 70013 at Woking this morning in horrible weather conditions (rain and strong westerly winds). Left a couple of minutes down.

Spoke to Dave Hewson (driver of Britannia on Sunday's double header between Waterloo and Taunton). He is on the diesel today and doesn't expect to being pushing anywhere on the way down, unless asked to do so of course. It was definitely NOT used to push the train out of Woking this morning.

Nick

 

70013 with 47580 at the back and along for the ride - down top of parkstone bank at 1259 - much whistling for the track inspection team who picked a most convenient time to come along! DH

 

47580 leading Oliver Cromwell back over top of Parkstone Bank at 1725 with return DCE - Cromwell just ambling gently along at the rear DH

 

Spectacular steam effects this afternoon when the drain cocks were opened prior to Ollie moving down and taking water.

 

Technical point: The Cartazzi axleboxes are fixed in the frames, and do not form a truck.

 

70013 put on an awesome display through Surbiton tonight with much whistling a couple of minutes down. Shall upload the video tomorrow if I get round to it.

 

Continuing this thread into September I presume the 13th September trip will be 70013 outward and 70000 back.

Also 4492 on the move so so Eastleigh and Southampton could be busy with steam.

Mike M. ( 70c )

 

I'm on the last run on Tuesday, and based on what's occured this week I can only assume 70000 as being the likely contender.

34067 - Carnforth
4492 - Swanage???
30777 - Loughborough
35028 - Assume maintenance / I doubt this would occur.

The usual Black 5 brigade are all up tut north, (Black 5 brigade is a tongue and cheek comment based on there being so many on the mainline now!) I'm not complaining on this at all.

Would anyone on here be able to confirm what the engine will be on the return?

I'm not too worried, if its only Ollie as I've wanted a run behind her since seeing her on the mainline a few years back, so an extended run with her will be taken kindly.

 

According to NR, 70013 in both directions (reversal at Salisbury, return via Andover).

 

Thanks for confirming that.

Best regards.

Mike M. ( 70c )

 

Have been looking at various options, where locos are currently and what trains are due to be run there is going to have to be a fair bit of reallocation of motive power over next few weeks to cover for unavailable locos. Not sure where Britannia will go after the Pompey Pacific but WSR for a short stop over at least looks to be the most likely option given the time of arrival back at Taunton. That would leave her available in theory for the DCE but at moment not seen any info to suggest a move to Yeovil - my money at moment (sadly) is on a similar working to this week with Oliver Cromwell down with diesel top and tail, but we shall see !!

 

Seems most likely - with the crew change (brief) stop at Wareham also being omitted as per the past few weeks.

 

Referring back to the spirited run we had on the 30th August with 34067 I have just found this video of her racing through Winchfield:

[video=youtube;gzdYoKN90EI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzdYoKN90EI[/video]

Bulleid magic!