The Varsity Explorer - 25/10/25

Quoted on Railcam Eddystone has failed at Chester on the move to Carnforth?
Though how much is rumour, fact, or speculation?

 

Here's my video of 34028 Eddystone along the new Varsity Line approaching Bletchley, becoming the first steam engine on the Varsity Line since 1967. A momentous occasion and I hope you enjoy it.

 

34028 5Z30 dep Chester 1702 to Carnforth, 56 late. AN

 

I'm not certain what the coal capacity for 34028 is. Maybe 6 tons? Even if being generous with coal consumption of 30 miles per ton/tonne that gives a range of around 180 miles. It's 198 miles Southall to Chester via EWR, let alone making up the fire and running forward to Carnforth. So diesel assistance was inevitable whatever anyone would prefer.

Cheers, Neil

 

The usual siding for the steam loco to park its tender next to a road access for the coal lorry, was occupied by two Tampers. Therefore the coaling was done on the triangle spur.
Then 34028 still had to go to the middle sidings for water before the move to Carnforth.

 

34028s tender holds 5t of coal and 5500 gallons of water.
The occasional diesel assistance was to stretch the coal as far as possible.

 

The occasional diesel assistance was to stretch the coal from Southall to Chester. It was tight.

 

34028 exiting Christleton Tunnel on the approach to Chester.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54879307795/in/photostream/

 

With a clear road set ahead at Colwich Jnc, Eddystone races along the WCML near Rugeley.

 

A simple record shot of 34028 as she hurries towards Chester.

A while since I've been able to get out (and edit!) so not top quality sadly. Still I was glad to see her and smell the exhaust.
Going away shot scuppered by the wind.
Chris

 

As a certain CME says linked to an engine you’re involved with Al, isn’t it about fitting in and keeping out of the way?

I’m sure Bill will have great pleasure in telling you to “go away” in a rather slightly stronger way if your paths cross!

Also gives the game away as well!

 

Unnecessary ? do you know that for a fact ? There can be many operational reasons that we don't, and never will, know about. A diesel loco. driver doesn't 'open the taps' just for something to do, or to pass the time. There IS communication between front and back.

 

Good to see you're able to be out again.


Smoke and shadows, the view off the bridge at Wardle, the wind was a real issue whipping the exhaust around here.

 

At the risk of being relocated to l/e etc.
34028 at Helsby, nearly an hour later than anticipated and after any chance of sun had disappeared behind advancing clouds.

The co-acting home signal on the left is a real rarity on the network these days, one of only two I think (assuming the one at Greenloaning remains in use).

 

Not true .6201 returned to Tysley from a open day at Wolverton works the long way round ,that was Bletchley ,over the flyover ,Swanbourne Bicester Oxford and Banbury ,that was on 02/10/1988.It was a bit to late for a photo on the branch so a photo crossing the flyover was taken. Please see attached.

 

Would that route have been longer than via Birmingham?

 

I would imagine this was back in the days of BR when steam under the wires was mostly a no go