CATHEDRALS TRIP 11/11/11 NORTHAMPTON - CANTERBURY EAST

Going via Tonbridge last I heard. So you'll probably make it!

 

Arrived Northampton 2219hours.

 

Managed to make it to Kenny O just in the nick of time. Decided not to try and have a ride in the end. Got a bit of audio on my phone http://boo.fm/b541975 and a dodgy photo as well http://twitpic.com/7d66at

 

No support coach ?

 

I think it's the maroon one on the back.

 

Out of interest does anyone know why this train went to Canterbury East rather than West as usually happens with the Cathedrals Express? Given the problems that Tangmere encountered on Martin Mill bank yesterday maybe that was just as well (Tornado had 13 coaches). Was that the thinking behind it or was there another reason?

 

My photo from yesterday's run down into Kent:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thestigcouk/6334933745/


Steve

 

A couple of shots of 60163 at the bottom of the page here
http://www.crjennings.com/preserved steam main line/Main Line 13 Index.html
She was making a very solid climb through Chelsfield and considering what happened to 34067 later in the day, Tornado was aided by the recent complete clearance of lineside trees from Chelsfield Station to Chelsfield Tunnel, especialy in the very deep cutting approaching the Tunnel.

 

Some very nice pictures despite the gloom.

Stephen

 

May i say a very big thank-you to steam dreams and all the D.B.S. crew's and not forgetting tornado crew for a wonderful day out
it made a change to just sit back with my feet up so to speak and not be tea making e.c.t.; also thank you for the way steam dreams
did not forget the fallen in the two war's and for all that have fallen since;MANY THANKS;

all the best
jane;

 

Many thanks.
Could have been a lot worse, parts of Kent were shrouded in thick fog.

 

May I just add that Tornado was in the vicinity of Bickley Junction at 11:00 and it's chime whistle blew loud, stopping for the start of 11:00, and blowing again to signal 11:02.
I had switched off the camera by then so did not record the sound.

 

There can be no doubt that the conditions made life less than easy for both Armistice Day trains and this is well illustrated on this You tube footage showing both trains passing Bickley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y2GTDewq9Y&feature=youtu.be

For information, on the ECS from Sittingbourne Tornado was stopped at the foot of the climb from Faversham to Selling – I believe that climb is four or five miles long at 1 in 90 or thereabouts. The A1 climbed competently despite the leaves and drizzle - an excellent performance by the crew and the locomotive.