Torbay Express Season 2012

Indeed, and some heap it was. What is incredible, is that heap (of metal) is crafted into a superb machine which has put in a blistering performance so far on the TE. I have it from someone on the footplate that Fred Lewis received a complaint from the catering folks that the crockery was being thrown on the floor on the Sea wall section!!! Rule Britannia!!

 

I do agree with that. When young, it's fairly common to show more interest in what's current, (young / new), than what's old or historical. In that sense then, age is significant but as others have said its the attitude, and ignorance of this "Ryan" guy who described Britannia as a "heap" that is concerning, and that can come from any age.

Of one thing I can be fairly sure, if Ryan knew his comment had caused this much fuss on a main line steam forum he'd probably be very proud of himself, bragging about it to his mates, and most likely doing it again.

Hopefully those who read it will know better, realise what drivel it is and move on. I suggest we do the same and get back to talking about how wonderful both Britannia and The Torbay Express are. I travelled from Weston to Bristol last night and it was one of the most exciting 22 or so minutes steam haulage I've ever experienced, and this coming from someone who only a week ago was aboard Clan Line's anniversary outing to Weymouth and back, a run that for those on it would have to have gone straight into their top 5 tours of all time.

Suggest we forget about Ryan and his ilk and leave them to their love of "sheds", "summerhouses", and whatever else may turn them on.

 

My video from Sunday:

[video=youtube;hplhk4GUM3E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hplhk4GUM3E[/video]

 

Thanks v much, enjoyed that. What a terrific locomotive Britannia is. I can't recall it being quite this good during its last main line ticket but delighted it is now.

 

Yeah, I would imagine that Britannia is making bunches of people happy with these superb performances that she is putting up on the chart.

 

71000 Trust have now tweeted an update on the loco referring to their Facebook page. This reads as follows :-

[h=6]71000 Duke of Gloucester shared a link.[/h]32 minutes ago


Operations update: All being well 71000 will move to Bristol Barton Hill in readiness to haul this Sunday's (22nd July) Torbay express (for details see Torbay Express Ltd's websitehttp://www.torbayexpress.co.uk/). Next up on 28th July is the Taymar Devonian a double headed run from Bristol to Plymouth and back for Pathfinder (The Tamar Devonian - Pathfinder Tours) with its smaller cousin 70000 Britannia. On Sunday August 3rd it is possible the Duke will be hauling the Torbay Express again.

Good news eh ?​

 

According to latest news from 71000 trust on Facebook, 71000 will shortly move to Bristol Barton Hill and be in charge of the TE this Sunday 22 July.

 

70000 Britannia in steam at Barton Hill at present receiving a well deserved polish in preparation for tomorrow's Torbay Express. <BJ>

 

70000 off to Devon, and 70013 off to Weymouth at Temple Meads this morning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/sets/72157630692315432/

 

the Torbay express can now be viewed on our new webcam at Dawlish. visit RailCam - Home of live Railway Webcams in the UK to view

 

Can't see one for Dawlish listed ?, only ECML, WCML, Todmorden and the WSR.

 

Its there, go in from the homepage, click on view multiple cams and select dawlish in the drop down screen menu

 

Just saw 70000 pass Dawlish at 17:47 on the camera - really quite entertaining!

James at SVN

 

It's Been a glorious day in Devon today and I'm sure we will see some fantastic photos from today's Run on the website perfect oppurtunity to promote the Torbay express today the weather is the icing on the cake this is the weather the Torbay is aimed at being hauled in looking forward to some seawall shots.

 

No seawall shots from me today, but some from Yatton on the way back to Bristol.

Torbay Express 2012 - a set on Flickr

 

Here's my video for 22nd July. The clips are taken at Starcross on the outward run and at Dawlish, looking through Kennaway Tunnel, on the return trip.

The Torbay Express - 70000 Britannia - 22nd July 2012 - YouTube

 

70000 and 70013 safely back into Bristol after their successful railtours, both approx 5 late .
Incredible glint from Britannia at 8pm this evening as it sped towards Flax Bourton tunnel. <BJ>

 

Leaving Kingswear


Along The Teign

 

The fat bald headed git with sunglasses & white trainers was taking a chance at the beginning wasn't he? Just the thing to get steam banned off the ML. He even had to run to get across.