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4464 Bittern to do 90mph on ECML - 29 June & 27 July 2013

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by buseng, Apr 24, 2013.

  1. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

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    Just got the new SR, seems Bittern has "special derogation" to run up to 90mph on the ECML during June/July. I believe it ties in with the 6 A4's event at York.
     
  2. The Crimson Pirate

    The Crimson Pirate Member

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  3. b.oldford

    b.oldford Member

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    Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

    I wonder if that strengthens the arguments of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.
     
  4. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

    Maybe a bit of caution here, as i read it on The Pathfinder poster it says that special dispensation is EXPECTED to be granted. I can't see anywhere where it HAS been granted.
    I hope it does get the nod, but maybe a case of not counting chickens etc.
    I haven't seen the latest SR so I hope my caution is unfounded.
     
  5. Pesmo

    Pesmo Member

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    Re: 90 MPH Bittern.

    The flyer I just got from Steam Dreams suggests that it has been authorised and they are promoting it as 90mph on parts of the route including the important bit where the original record was set.
     
  6. steamvideosnet

    steamvideosnet Well-Known Member

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  7. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    90mph A4s

    I have just received an e-mail from Steam Dreams concerning the 29 June and 27 July 2013 'Mallard 75' trips to York and back, respectively. The statement within that 90mph running behind 'Bittern' will be permitted for some sections on both trips does, I think, warrant a specific thread.
    Although the announcement states that these two trips with 90mph running behind steam are likely to be 'unique' (two 'unique' trips?), surely this sets a wonderful precedent (assuming all goes well) for other high speed runs on special occasions?
    The irony is that, of all the birds after which A4s were named, the Bittern is probably the slowest!
     
  8. richards

    richards Part of the furniture

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    Re: 90mph A4s

    Three threads merged - thx to the members for spotting the duplicate threads and "reporting" them.

    Richard
     
  9. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    An excellent piece of news and I guess that we should be grateful, ultimately, to Network Rail for allowing anything to run at up to 90 mph. One thing is for certain, if it's going to happen anywhere then it certainly should be on the ECML. It's just a pity that, from the prices and the expected demand, these events have also been seen as a 'cash cow'.
     
  10. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    Re: 90mph A4s

    I don't know whether it is that things have been developing very rapidly on the 90mph issue, but the SD e-mail claims that the 29 June and 27 July trips are likely to be unique, but a look at the Pathfinders site reveals a third trip (to Newcastle on 19 July) which is also expected to feature 90mph running. On the face of it this makes SD's 'unique' claim seem slightly 'creative', and I'm also confused by the lack of reference by them to Pathfinder Tours, who are running the trips on which they have secured some seats, instead only mentioning 'Steam Railway' magazine and 'Locomotive Services Ltd'. Is there a hidden agenda of friction between PT and SD here?
     
  11. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Re: 90mph A4s

    I hope not. It is ironic that all the talk previously has been about 90 mph running with Tornado and then up pops Bittern, appropriate though that is.
     
  12. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    It certainly could be an explanation as to why 60019 has been given some extended maintenance at Southall. Shame it won't happen on the Cath-Ex to Scotland trip, but you can't have everything, I suppose...
     
  13. Stephensons_Ghost

    Stephensons_Ghost New Member

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    Having read some of this I don't see any friction between anyone, seems everyone is working together to make it a great success. Pathfinder are only the booking agent for the 29/6 and 27/7 I think so I guess that is why SD don't mention them.

    Interesting that the A4 will be running only over certain sections at speeds 'up to 90mph'. Does the A1 people not want to get Tornado passed for 90mph for much more than just a few days in the summer and for more miles?

    SG
     
  14. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

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    Re: 90mph A4s

    I wondered where the thread I started this morning in steam traction disappeared to?
     
  15. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    I think the exercise will help to establish a 21st century precedent for a 75mph-passed 'heritage' locomotive to do faster speeds. Presumably, it will have to be tested for the dispensation to be given...
     
  16. spicer21

    spicer21 Guest

    Yes, the SR article refers to a high speed test on the GWML during May, which if successful, will lead to the final dispensation being granted.
     
  17. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    If all goes well and the dispensation is granted then a big thank you should be given to the much maligned (when it comes to steam tours) Network Rail. This isn't something that the special trains planners at NR have tried to sneak past their bosses whilst they weren't looking. It must have gone to the highest levels within NR (and maybe even the ORR), and fair play to them for realising the significance of this anniversary to the wider railway community.
    Fingers crossed that all goes to plan.
     
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  18. John Petley

    John Petley Part of the furniture

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    According to the SR article, a lot of cash was spent in obtaining this derogation. I guess that the prices reflect the need to recoup some of the extra expense.
     
  19. goldfish

    goldfish Nat Pres stalwart

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    Isn't it more likely that high prices reflect the need for a lighter load? I'm assuming that this isn't going to be a 11-12-13+ rake of coaches, but a smaller load to reduce the potential for damaging Bittern?

    Simon
     
  20. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    so reading this it is 3 trips being advertised...

    June 29th - Steam Dreams website only
    July 19th - Pathfinders website only
    July 27th - Both Pathfinder and Steam Dreams.
     

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