The Mayflower - 6/09/25

Are not all the crews from VT?

 

I wonder why VT choose to run 2 37's instead of just their own, lack of confidence in one being up to the job of recorvering the train should a break down occur maybe, does anyknow know why?

 

Probably as is the case with almost all other Train Operating Companies where part of the tour is diesel hauled there are almost always two diesels utilised in case of failure… I should imagine the fact that the tour was returning to Birmingham up the Lickey incline was another consideration!

 

I think if I remember correctly last year there were 2 20’s on the Mayflower but on the 1Z48 tour only a single 47.

Good point regarding the Lickey, I hadn’t thought of that.

 

Weight of the train for the Lickey with a single 37 was the reason.

 

What would it have been, 9 coaches by then as the POB’s would have been taken off? Quite a bit of weight there.

 

Point taken!

 

Andy Taylor is a WCR driver but has worked on the last two double header trains for VT if they are short of drivers with route knowledge.

 

Another tour de force from Vintage Trains! Hope it was well patronised.

One thing that always impresses me about Tyseley’s Castles is the absence of steam leaks, and the very even beat of the four cylinders, indicative of excellent maintenance and valve setting. They are doing Swindon proud!

 

He also worked the Great Western west of Bristol last year, don't think Alastair or Martyn sign the road to Plymouth (yet).

 

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this spectacle. Thank you very much for the many great shots. My favorites are the evening shots at Cockwood Harbour. What a sight to see both charter trains racing back home!

 

Agreed, their Castles are beautiful and immaculately turned out, really a credit to themselves as they clearly take pride in both the Earl and Clun Castle.

5080 and 4975 will be interesting to follow when they come out of overhaul, I am looking forward to those two.

 

I thought that Bahamas didn't look too bad. Did anyone else notice? [BJ]

 

Yes thought Bahamas looked amazing. As does any engine which operates on the mainline, or indeed heritage railways.

 

Are you aware that Vintage Trains did the biggest part of the last overhaul of 45596.. 'they' by inference must have contributed to the inferior engines condition and usefulness then, and that of every other loco' 'they've worked on.
Sometimes knowing when to keep quiet can be useful.

 

Leviathan mentioned Tysley’s Castles so commented on them, I don’t see anyone jumping on his head like you do mine?

As I have said above, Leviathan mentioned their Castles and I commented on them. As for knowing when to keep quiet, pretty rude considering I was only replying to someone who has said the same thing as myself. Although you don’t seem to be jumping down his throat which tells me it’s personal.

 

Last post from me then, bye.

 

Context is all; Leviathan hadn't been dismissing and then wilfully ignoring the Jubilee.