60163 Waterloo-Cardiff. 7th Sept.

Think you'll find that WCRC Ops Manager James Shuttleworth negotiated the arrangement of "steam on the front" with Network Rail as customers wanted to see a steam loco on the front with a little less regard for what was attached behind. nA fuller diary of events was recently published on this forum by RHM in the Railway Herald section IIRC.

 

You don't think 60009 could be a diesel loco do you?



Usually a few of this class loitering around South Wales.

 

I did think of that, but it shouldn't have much of a reason to perform a reversing move.

 

Well maybe it won't. Its raining now and also I found this that looks like a light engine path out of Waterloo:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54543/2013/09/07/advanced

 

After the departure of Tornado, same platform. You could well be on to something.

 

The recent Torbay with 5029 (a DBS working), where the fire risk demanded a diesel to do all the work, had the diesel inside 5029.

 

7 Sep: The DL will be on the rear (dead) to Salisbury to get it there for it to be put on the rear again back to Waterloo because of the well known "Platform 19 syndrome".
5 Sep: With regard to assisting DLs which are doing most of the work (eg fire risk conditions), they must be double heading with steam, either in front of or behind the steam loco, NOT on the rear of the train. If steam leads it must be fully manned and also the DL driver must sign the road, if the DL leads, the steam loco does not have to be fully manned including a driver who knows the road, as it is doing very little work.
Looking forward to seeing steam depart Andover again tomorrow, pity it's not a Bulleid, but at least it has three cylinders!
Andover

 

Going through Worting Junction right time. Diesel on the back.
n

 

Left Salisbury slightly late due to the said diesel being removed and held in the siding awaiting 60163's return this evening. She is going solo!

 

The whistles through Severn Tunnel Junction were phenomenal!

 

Tornado in the landscape at Newton St Loe

 

Tornado greeted by Western Champion. I tired to get as close as possible to the spot where they would meet, I was about 30 seconds and half a mile out, but this was the best view in that area. Also seen here on the fast down at Esher,

 

Here's Tornado at Severn Tunnel Junction today, with wonderful whistles!

 

Clearly they have found out how to use the whistle. West Byfleet on the return at night

 

My video from yesterday's Cathedrals Express with 60163 Tornado, filmed at Freshford and Andover.



James at SVN

 

My footage from yesterday's run, seen climbing Upton Scudamore in fading light.