70013 has just returned to Southall from a period of work in Devon & Cornwall. The south west trips were not without incident, the “Royal Duchy” trip was hampered by a fault developing with Nunney Castle, meaning that the train was delayed for some time while alternative motive power was brought. The stock for that trip was air-braked only due to operational difficulties elsewhere on the system, and although we recently through-piped Cromwell for air, she does not have air brakes fitted so could not pilot the train, so when the Castle failed, Cromwell was unable to take the train on her own. For the “Great Britain” we were joined by our neighbour from Southall: “Tangmere” and her support crew, several of whom we have come to know through meeting them at the depot whilst we work on our respective machines. Friendly rivalries build up in circumstances like this, and each team is convinced that their machine is the best, and in this case, as a loyal 5305 LA support crew member, I would have to say that 70013 is undoubtedly the best.
One of the support crew who was on the recent “Great Britain” trip to Penzance has sent in some photos, with the comment “Although the support crew of Tangmere will probably beg to differ, all I can say is Devon banks!! what Devon banks?? Apart from Whiteball I think the Brit pushed that smoky monster all the way!! Yet again 70013 proves itself to be a formidable machine!!!” [edited to add: one of the Tangmere support crew later said "I thought the Brit was only there to provide Steam Heat" , so it goes both ways!]
There will be detailed performance reports and more pictures, of these and other trips, in the next newsletter. How do you get a copy? It is sent out to all members. Not a member? Sadly you won’t get a copy if you are not a member, but the answer is simple, just go to the membership page, down load the form, join the association and we will add you to the circulation list.
Stoke Gifford, with 70013 amid the blossom
The Water Stop at Par
By Info | Friday, April 10, 2009 | Tags : 70013