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70000 Cumbrian Mountain Express 3/3/12

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by george.sawdon, Feb 22, 2012.

  1. Oberlokführer

    Oberlokführer New Member

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    Agreed. Although I would venture to say that sitting on the left on that particular route would be the easier of the two roles. Once you have set a loco thats pretty much it. Depends on power creation from that point forward.
     
  2. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    So now we know. Driving a steam locomotive over the Settle to Carlisle railway is a doddle. <BJ>
     
  3. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Well compared with firing, yes.... Having stood behind a driver of a 5 for the run from Hellifield to Appleby,after leaving Settle junction to the easing for Ribblehead the regulator was never touched and only a couply of adjustment made to the reverser.
     
  4. Oberlokführer

    Oberlokführer New Member

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    It wasn't what I meant, but Ralph has illustrated the point perfectly for me. The Midland is, and the section we are talking about between Appleby and the Summit particuarly, is very straight forward from a drivers point of view.

    For the fireman and the loco however it is one of the most taxing sections of line in the country. For the driver compared to routes such as Plymouth-Penzance, the GSW or the WHL, the Midland is a 'doddle' as you put it. Only slight variants in gradient, no speed restrictions, no stopping points, no curves to speak of, hardly any signals(3 in 1980's). Plus for a driver like Brian who knows the road well, it would be easy. He would know exactly how to set the reverser for a 'Coronation' and 12 and how much regulator to give it and would be well aware of what was required at Birkett or Crosby Garett. Would he have had chance to enjoy Mallerstang and Smardale curve? Yes he would. Paul on the other hand would not.

    Thats all I was trying to say. But as someone else said you can't have one without the other and a loco in top nick is essential for any Blue Riband attempt.

    Mike
     
  5. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    When I first read your comment I was taken aback a little but now I can understand your reasoning.

    Thank you for your reply and explanation. <BJ>
     
  6. willig

    willig Member

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  7. Oberlokführer

    Oberlokführer New Member

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    That is indeed Brian Grierson. One of very few DBS steam men left at Carlisle.

    Wow! Is that really a Riviera rake of stock? Thought they only did kaleidoscope rakes these days!
     
  8. Linesider

    Linesider Well-Known Member

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  9. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    The carmine and cream set appeared on the 2011 Poole to Bath and Bristol charters organised by TBEL.
    As 70000s' support coach was in the same livery the train ran as a full rake. <BJ>
     
  10. KWVR_Matt

    KWVR_Matt New Member

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    And a few from me mostly at Long Preston http://www.flickr.com/photos/76772417@N05/6803430546
     
  11. Shoddy127

    Shoddy127 Well-Known Member

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    Loving that video Ralph, who said 70000 doesn't make any noise!
     
  12. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Thanks, just a pity there was so much wind as I tried a location higher up but the sound was just wind so had to move further down until it was more sheltered. On a really still day you can head things coming for a long way up the valley.
     
  13. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    Very nice; very nice indeed. I've looked up at the hillside above Arcow quarry a couple of times and wondered what the view was like, but it has always been too wet or too windy to make it worth exploring.
     
  14. Linesider

    Linesider Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Mark - certainly one to try on a good day.
     

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