The Great Britain IX

GBIX underway. Dep. Vict. 08:45. <BJ>

 

Just a thought on 44871. Replacing a radius rod might not be too big a job, but what other damage might have occurred? Other rods? Bearings? The valve itself? Lets hope for good news from Crewe later...

 

If it's just bent, there shouldn't be too much in the way of further damage, and things will be checked as a matter of course. If it had sheared, then it might have been a different story.

 

Your glass is certainty half empty.

 

Working in the aero industry (Repair and Overhaul), I would have thought it paramount for Ian to investigate how and why the part was damaged in the first place. <BJ>

 

Perhaps a seizure at the bearing which caused it to compress, but it's only speculation. At the end of the day, best just to leave it to the people in the know.

 

I think the glass is chipped too. And not washed properly.

 

Well we're off. Good news if the diesal's on the back. Some of the disappointment expressed by the less grizzled members of natpres is no surprise. Steam on the main line can be infuriating for all, not least the tour operators. My week away with the wife started with a drive down to Windsor as we were booked on the evening train with 6201 and then Galatea failing saw us on a London trundle with a filthy 47. The Saturday we were at Wembley to see our team lose to an injury time goal in the FAC semi final......now that is disappointing! Then a few days in arctic Devon with today and tomorrow fotting GB9. Looks like driving back on Thursday with no steam to follow. Nothing is new however. 1985 steam back on the main linetoPlymouth with the King and Manor both failing but the Manor was fixed and Hagley Hall made an epic ovrnight light engine run from the SVR to save the day. Let's hope for the black five to perform similar deeds as well.

 

Could be a gentle amble through to Reading because of the Paddington-Reading stopper in front. Off to Twyford now.....

 

No, just trying to be realistic, wondering what IR's team will be facing...
All bags packed; bins put out; neighbour's cat retrieved from under spare bed... time to load the car and head for Whiteball. Wish me luck!

 

46100 physically at the front but in virtually light steam mode through Battersea/Longhedge, with the 47 pushing. If the 'Scot' doesn't do a bit more than this it will be money ill-spent for those on board I would have thought. Fingers crossed for something more than a token presence at the front of the train for the punters!

 

Challenging bit of line, so not surprised there's assistance.

 

The question is will the diesel be tucked on the inside for the Devon banks ? Hoping for a decent show up Whiteball. DBS let 70000 run up unaided last year with a dead 66, equivalent load 14, but that's DBS !

 

Sorry, have I missed a spot of sarcasm here? If not, and if it's really challenging, why was 46100 not working at all, rather than genuinely being assisted? Anyway I probably shouldn't read too much into a short stretch such as this and see what the longer journey produces.

 

Made a fine sight going through Twyford around 4-5 minutes down. Couple of phone pics - https://twitter.com/downrelief/status/724889002659160065

 

There was absolutely NO need for this sort of response. Grosvenor Bank is very steep to get over the Thames, and the area around Longhedge is a little bit saw-tooth. Add to that the curvature and oil on the rails, and you can see why they were erring on the side of caution.

 

I wonder where the switch could take place. I can't see anything in the schedule that would allow it. Unless there's an extended stop somewhere like Westbury or Exeter?

 

Looking at the timings for today, there isn't really enough time for any repositioning moves. Hope they keep the same formation for tomorrow,