'Torbay Express' 2013

If by similar you mean the draughting arrangements are totally different...

Remember according to NR it was a Bulleid and their alleged soft blast that got them in a twist.

 

Oh Tangmere

 

Latest Torbay Express update. <BJ>
http://www.torbayexpress.co.uk/index.php/LatestNews.html

 

Unless there's some rain during the week, I doubt there will be any change in play.

47812 which did the run could do with a repaint, plenty of part repainted patches on it, if a steamer was turned out like that, you'd sack the painter.

 

Here is snap of the offending loco taken by David Simmonds. For some reason the loco doesn't appear too bad in the shot.
At close quarters it looks decidedly poor. <BJ> http://railwayherald.com/imagingcentre/view/290619/TW

 

First GW currently tweeting pictures of a lineside fire between Swindon and Kemble - unlikely to be steam caused but it does demonstrate that linesides are hot and dry enough to go up if an ignition source is supplied.

 

The two runs this Sunday must be in doubt as well, the Torbay and the Weymouth, the forecast is for more of the same with no rain at all....
Just what the tour companies could do without.....

 

On FGW, there is also the possibility of passengers having a cheeky fag in the vestibule, then disposing of the evidence out the droplight as the as staff come down the HST.

 

This was taken from Torbay Express Ltd's Facebook page just now:

Great news - we have just had confirmation from Network Rail and D B Schenker that The Torbay Express next Sunday (14 July) will feature steam locomotive No. 5029 Nunney Castle.

James at SVN

 

Great if true,but how can that make any sense? There is absolutely no rain forecast and temperatures are on the increase again. If this one runs steam-hauled,why did they cancel last weeks?

 

A class 47 should be running with 5029.

James at SVN

 

5029 will be shoved a lot but anything is better than nothing, just to see 5029 along the seawall is a win, hopefully the 47 will be on the back not directly behind but either way I'm happy.

 

Pleased to hear there will be a steam presence, but suspect it will be a token one as was the case in May 2012 with much of the "Castle to Scotland" tour. Hope I'm wrong, but as Alastair says, the conditions haven't changed so putting 5029 on the front of what is still likely to be a diesel hauled journey sounds more like appeasement to me ?

 

That's good news, if a 47 is also hauling the train with 5029 I would like to think the diesel would be behind 5029 like they did a few years ago with 71000 Duke of Gloucester when that needed a diesel assist on the expresses. It also makes it easier if worst came to worst to pull 5029 off the train and for it to continue without lots of shunting work needed.

 

Here's the latest from our Railtours Editor this morning:
Good news from Torbay Express who has received confirmation that next Sunday's 'Torbay Express' from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear will operate with No. 5029 Nunney Castle, with Class 47 No. 47812 tucked inside for insurance. Railway Herald has been told that while a 'blanket ban remains in force in the south-west' each proposed forthcoming steam working will be reviewed according to its operating profile.
There is also a change to the route for the Shakespeare Express on 14th July, which will revert to it's normal mode of operation with outward tender first workings from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford upon Avon, and returning chimney first via the 'fast' route through Claverdon, Dorridge and Solihull.

 

Well, if 5029 sets the line ablaze between Starcross and Teignmouth, at least a ready supply of water would be on hand nearby to put it out!

Seriously, it's good that the ban has been relaxed - well. sort of. Quite a surprise in view of the weather since last weekend, but welcome news for TBEL and 5029's support crew. It must have been pretty frustrating to see the engine ready to run after all the work done on her only to be left idle due to the dry weather.

 

The Western steam ban was put in place very hastily after the Tangmere incident at Upton Scudamore last Thursday evening without time for any proper investigation and assessment. Tangmere was then failed with "firebox problems" which may possibly be a clue as to the cause ? So far this has been the only serious fire incident of which I am aware. Perhaps there has now been sufficient time for reconsideration.

 

Apologies if ive missed this but is 47812 likely to be with the train either inside or on the back????

 

Inside Nick.
Times for the 47 up to Tyseley http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O00364/2013/07/12/advanced
Times for the drag back to Brizzle http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/schedule/O00404/2013-07-12/advanced

 

Thanks Bill, dont think I will go out for it now...I will wait till its on its own.