Dorset Coast Expresses - 2013 season

My video of 34046's inaugural railtour - The Dorset Coast Express. Caught at Potbridge, Micheldever and Brokenford bridge in Totton on the outward, then Totton station, Test Lane, Whitchurch, Hook and Winchfield. Wonderful to see her out and about at last! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtCNCCsZy2c

James at SVN

 

Nice video. You did well to hide within the trees, I certainly didn't spot you! I was the guy in the red t-shirt you can see. I'll try to wear something a bit darker in future!

 

UKsteam.info is now showing next week's DCE (Wed 21st) as 70013 both ways, with DL Weymouth-So'ton and reversal at Southampton. Given that Tangmere won't be back before the end of August (hence the cancellation of The Royal Duchy on 25th Aug, reported elsewhere), I'd expect the same diagram to be used on Wed 28th (with Braunton?) and perhaps for the remaining runs in Sept, too.

 

Icons of Steam website still shows Braunton for the 28th ( The 21st is no longer listed).

 

My footage of 34046 Braunton's mainline debut on the Dorset Coast Express yesterday, seen at Byfleet & New Haw, Winchester, Brockenhurst and Andover.

 

And my mates from yesterday.......................................... 34046

 

Although not in picture, Chris Birmingham was the fireman for the Victoria to Weymouth leg - he had the honour of being the first fireman to do the inaugural mainline trip for Braunton! He was also the fireman for the test run around the little N&W line up north besides being in charge of getting her back onto the mainline too! I'm sure many of you will appreciate his efforts.

 

Interesting shot through Brockenhurst. No obvious effort from 34046 despite the 1/176 up grade and the box was working. This following on from what looked like a ten minute delay, (from RTT), around the Lyndhurst Road area before the water stop at Beaulieu Road. Can anyone shed light on this? Obvious from later shots that 34046 was running fine on the return.


PS. It could have been that due to the delay near Lyndhurst Road, however caused, and the quite late start away from the water stop, the box helped to get the special away from any following service train quicker!

 

It might also have been that the crews were being particularly cautious to avoid causing a lineside fire in the New Forest?

 

I believe it was due to emergency engineering works near Beaulieu Road, which led to a 20mph speed restriction from Ashurst to Beaulieu Road.

James at SVN

 

Already been mentioned!

 

It was a rail defect near Woodfidley Crossing.

Cheers, Neil

 

Thanks for clarifying that Neil.

James at SVN

 

Thanks guys!

 

Does anyone know why Braunton has been pulled from next weeks trip?

 

If 34067 had been available if would have hauled the return and 34046 would have gone to Bristol for this weeks Torbay. 34046 is now going light engine to Bristol. 34067 was due to haul the down train next week and then haul the The Royal Duchy on the following Sunday and 70013 is not available for the Sunday trip - no support crew, so this trip has been cancelled ( from another thread).70013 will be headed to the North Norfolk Railway the week after the Bank Holiday Weekend for the Gala the following weekend.

 

I know we've only just seen Braunton return, but we really do need a couple more Bulleids on the main line ASAP. The DCE really has been plagued by problems this year. I feel very sorry for RTC.

 

Braunton .was in Bristol Temple Meads today ready for this Sundays Torbay Express

 

I for one will support that statement!