Cathedrals 29th April-30777

Noticed on UK steam this morning that 30777 rostered for Victoria-Canterbury on 29th. I thought 30777 was banned from Kent owing to gauging issues?.....or have I missed something?

 

In a recent Steam Railway, somebody from the 5305 group said that they were negotiating with Network Rail to allow 777 on more routes, and it seems that negotiations have been successful.

 

thats good news, at least us down in kent should get a bit more variety then ,and with hopefully 850 rejoining the mainline pool sometime this year, we might begin to see other locos other than 70013 as much as i like it, im looking foreward to seeing 70000 also when it comes out, it shouldnt be that far off now, should it ? Getting back on track, what is 30777 allowed on the south eastern section, because on the sw main line she is felt to be not powerfull enough to cope with the loads that steam dreams tend to use on the exeter road

 

Times are now up on UKSteam http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t10/t0429a.htm

 

Any reports this morning yet ?? sorry, wrong stream !!!

 

Just a quick Q, is she being serviced at Canterbury West?

 

How tricky Ralph?

This lovely loco is running through my local station of West Malling on the 29th and I would like to know the station will still be there afterwards!

 

Anyone on board today or going out to watch?

I hope to be out in the Ashford area

 

I'm nipping out to Otford at lunchtime to see it through. I might get out to see it at Paddock Wood watering this evening.

 

On time Otford

 

Two shots attached.
First one taken near Charing

And the second as Lamiel snakes out of Ashford on the curve to Canterbury

Nice to see Sir Lamiel again, i worked it out it was 35 years ago since I was on the footplate

 

Nice shots above.

My offerings.

Firstly topping the summit at Lenham, circa 8 late. Then hurrying along through Chartham, virtually back on time. And hurrying it was. Nice turn of speed over the level crossing.

 

Here's my offering, slightly caught out as it was going faster than I expected http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/4562702219/

 

Returned through Ashford this evening about 15 down. Still looked and sounded very good despite the pouring rain and gloom

 

Nice shots guys!

Just saw 30777 the once on the outward leg, at Westwell Leacon near Charing, although wished I had attempted to get it somewhere between Ashford and Canterbury as well now. Maybe next time...

Anyway, here's my shot: http://craigrailpics.fotopic.net/p64543269.html

And a video which also features 30777 passing Headcorn on the return: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyS6sV-hFi0

Would I be right in thinking that this was Sir Lamiel's first visit to Kent in over 10 years? Can't really think of the last time it came down. It went up the Hastings-Tonbidge line sometime during the 1990s but I can't think of a more recent time it's been down this way.

 

Great photos and videos everybody, my video is now up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xRVmSXEyb4.

 

Craig. So nice to see video posted here where the cameraman has just followed the basics, and tried nothing else. Fixed camera, not grabbed and moved just as the train gets near. Camera fixed so the top of the loco doesn't go out of shot before the loco passes. No violent wobbles and a pan round through a whole crowd of onlookers. etc. etc.

Yes Craig. You just followed the basics and for once I not only watched the whole of both sequences, I repeated that a few times. Unique on Nat Pres for me!

Many thanks.

 

I think all of those traits are exhibited in my video. I need a new wingman to do my footage ;-)

 

Wasn't criticising you Matt. Everyone has their own ideas as to what they like. And I was just pointing out the videos I like watching!

But it is well worth thinking about sticking to the basics. You'll end up with less footage each trip, but it should be of a much higher quality.