Help for heros 27/3/2010

Wikipedia has max speed for an 8f as 80 kmh which equates to 50 mph.

Dave B

 

Isn't 48151 one of the 8F's with special wheel balancing to allow 60mph running? The NR derogation list should provide a clue...

Regards,

Dan

 

Well Mr Moderator the 8F should be 50MPH

 

looking forward to this, hope the weather holds up

 

This train is to raise money to help the brave lads returning from battle with horrific injuries, many will be scarred for life. West Coast have done their best to ensure it runs and it is our job to support it in whatever way we can. Yes it would be great to have certain locomotives hauling it, however as long as this train runs and succeeds in raising money for a more than worthy cause then that is all that matters. We are in our homes this evening, many are risking life and limb in foreign lands.

 

Two points from this discourse :

1 ) The 8F is officially approved for 60 mph running and should provide an unusual spectacle over the Penine route if coupled to 70013 / 48.

2 ) The train is only one of the events being organised at York and I'm sure that tour participants won't be disappointed asto what will be on offer by all parties. In terms of the non-availability of 46115 I feel sure it won't be for the lack of effort from Team WCRC and one must surely commiserate with - not complain at - WCRC for the absence of a locomotive with its military connection to the charity event.

Whatever the motive power I shall endeavour to be at the lineside and make my contribution to the effort in some way.

 

I'm on this trip and I'm glad that it is still running despite the problems that have beset it, (change of route, destination, and loss of an advertised loco)

It wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the efforts of all involved, Network Rail, WCRC etc who have stuck with it and come up with an alternative loco, destination and done it for NO CHARGE.

Lets hope that a lot of money is raised for a very worthwhile cause.

Dave B

 

Unfortunately the NYMR Bridge re-opening clashes so we’re not going to be out for the train. However as we feel it's a very justifiable and worthy cause we'll be donating a certain percentage of all the profits raised from the 'Spring Steam 2010' DVD, the actual amount hasn't yet been decided but will be posted on the DVD page nearer the release date.

I'm currently looking into employing some photographers to help out this coming weekend to capture the train, we'll see how I get on.

 

I did say isn't it a 50 mph engine thats the bit i was questioning so what is it 50 or 60.

 

48151 is a "white star" 8F. The wheels were balanced for working fast freight and IIRC the limit for this was 50mph but I can't find conformation of this at the moment. I'm fairly sure that this has not been raised to 60 in the modern era.

 

Indeed. Palace Gates should consider the work that has gone into this job AND the people who are supplying their time, labour, equipment, supplies etc, not forgetting Network Rail, FREE OF CHARGE.

 

The 8F is and always has been a 50 mph restricted locomotive [officially] although I have known it to run faster. Take a look at "Mainline Steam Locmotives" on uk steam.info where it is confirmed as a 50 mph loco. The timings may be revised as those originally posted on uksteam.info were provisional. The fact the train is running is the most important thing and well done to WCRC to have a contingency plan. I hope the trip raises plenty of money.

 

This question arose in 2009 IIRC when the new Network Rail rules for steam traction set the limit for 48151 as 50 mph; this was appealed by WCRC on the grounds that it had been operated at 60 mph since purchased for preservation and the appeal was allowed on the grounds that it had operated on passenger workings without problems at 60 mph thus could retain the continuing right to do so.

 

I would have thought that the 8F was very appropriate - the only mainline approved loco from a class that was actually used in "front-line" service by the Army in the last war. If 70013 is running as 70048, will 48151 perhaps be running as 48773 or the other ex-WD lcoo which entered BR stock?

Well done to all concerned with organising this train.

Steven

 

Can anyone say or guess which loco will be piloting ?.........
What would you like to see ?

Brian

 

Pete Thornhill is absolutely spot on. Anyway the 8F is running and that is the main thing. Be interesting to see on the day how it goes and I shall be on the train to see. I suppose the ideal would be for one loco to lead outwards and the other on the return

 

Stand corrected on the speed limit; I always thought that white star status meant an operating speed of 60 mph but such engines were frequent performers on ecs workings as well as occasional newspaper mail and - even - the odd passenger turns. I believe the Swansea - Craven Arms line saw such workings by starred 8Fs