'Torbay Express' 2014

Not sure yet ideally three engines at Bristol makes the Weymouth's easier as we can rotate the locos round.

 

Braunton Castle
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tguppy37401/14589186454/

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tguppy37401/14587731911/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tguppy37401/14589158904/in/photostream/

 

My video of 'The Torbay Express' & 'The Royal Duchy' railtours yesterday.

 

Perilously close to the 'Holy Grail' of 70 into Whiteball. Perhaps next week....

 

Yes, what a performance, especially considering the 70+ run into Whiteball going east back in February 1995 was the work of a Class 8, (60009). Wasn't that also a heavier train ? I know I was on it, and have never experienced a run like it since on the same stretch. I think we all have anecdotes about that day, those on board and watching, : )

 

Thanks for that. I recall travelling that way behind Number 9 in 2005, going from Bath Spa towards Trowbridge, so the issue is in the other direction presumably, unless of course it's developed since that trip.

 

Thanks for that. Yesterday's run sounds like something very special. Was lucky enough to be invited onto the footplate at Taunton. The heat from the firebox was immense. Looked "white hot" in fact !

 

Or to have a quick cuppa then move one's camera from Burlescombe to Bruton ;-)

 

Here’s my video, taken at Starcross on the outward run and at Tiverton Parkway on the return.

 

My footage of yesterday's run. Seen at Flax Bourton and Whiteball.

 

I have just searched Natpres and the problem is Northbound from a post in 2012. Bittern went bothways 3 times in 2011, so appears banned from 2012 onwards.

 

Thanks for the info', I'll keep an eye on the Torbay Express website, I'd like a run behind Britannia on the TBE....

 

Was 34046 using Nunney's support coach yesterday?

 

That video seems to have been filmed wide-screen but is displayed (here, anyway) at 4:3 aspect ratio, making the loco look tall and narrow.

 

Hope I'm not breaking any state secrets, but I gather from Pathfinder today that they are challenging NR over the return timings this Sunday, specifically the long layover at Taunton. This came as a result of me enquiring by email as to whether it'd be possible to do a single journey from Taunton to Bristol on a pay on the day basis. Not sure if an earlier departure time will be agreed prior to the run, or only on the day so anyone planning to photograph it on the basis of RTT timings may find it's already passed the spot of their choice.

 

Thanks for the warning. I'll keep an eye on RTT on the day, in case they put in a different "late notice" plan.

 

The last time I looked RTT didn't have the long stop @ Taunton

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P91155/2014/07/13//advanced

Just checked, the water stop is down to 15 minutes.

James

 

Ok, thanks, that's interesting. Just shows what can be achieved when Promoters / TOCs do take issue with NR on the timings they're given, : )