Chrimbo Limbo

I did my "traditional" end of year shopping yesterday and came away with two bags of stuff for the layout, plus a couple of CDs for Dad as his New Year prezzies, I knew I needed quite a bit and still didn't get everything I wanted but came back with plenty to keep me occupied over the remainder of the Winter.

One of the new purchases was the recently released Cl.37/5 model from Bachmann, which I intend to redo as 37519, a personal favourite from the late nineties.

This particular tiny Tractor boasts the latest tooling from Bachmann, in reality the nose-end and bogie mouldings appear to be the only changes from my other, centre headcode box 37/5, both having identical bodyshells. On fitting the (now single piece) snowploughs and multi-working cables "new" doesn't appear to mean better though as the two items foul each other, handicapping bogie swing, something I shall need to rectify before the loco can be let loose on rails.

The next obvious thing to do was to place the two 37s side-by-side to show and compare the pair...Hmmm.

The first thing I was looking for was the improved tail-light moulding but it didn't take long to see the difference in height of the body. 683 is structurally unmodified so it's plain to see the new loco sits too high on its bogies, more work! Fortunately other modellers have reported this is a comparatively simple fix so no drama, I also have plenty of spare three-piece snowplough sets in the spares box with which I can replace the rather more chunky looking mono-plough.

Also on the workbench are a pair of the updated Hornby Cl.56 models, I did at least have some idea of the work required to turn them into 4mm versions of their intended real-life counterparts.

First up is 56003, which Hornby have depicted (more or less) in her preservation days.

The major work on this model will be fitting buffer-beam cowling, etched fan grilles, engine room fan covers and removing the Load Haul logo on one side only. Then it's a case of a renumber, fit oval buffers, a touch of paint here and there plus weathering. The hoped for result is 56027, which our man Rob Reedman kindly sent me a reference picture for:

Requiring rather more effort will be an attempt to recreate 56038 'Western Mail' in triple-grey Transrail livery, the base model being a cheaply picked up weathered 56049.

This also requires attention to the roof plus a full repaint but the biggest job is that I want to improve the performance of, of all things, the radiator fans.

Hornby fit a working fan set to the model but to me this doesn't function as per the prototype so I intend to fit a motor to drive only the fans, I'm hoping there could be a possibility to integrate the DCC chip to alter the speed of the fans, ideally some arrangement to have the fans turning at a slow constant speed even if the locomotive is stationary. Cool!

The "Festive Jingle Jangle"

Saturday 17th December saw Dad and I on Pathfinder's annual winter Spin 'n' Win for a trundle around the north-west. A cold but bright day, most of the time, I don't have much track scooped in this part of the country so the 100+ miles behind 60011 was just the thing to end the year, especially after the disappointment (of my own making) of the last tour.
Unfortunately, we were sat the wrong side of our coach to allow snaps of the Cl.56 locos stored at Crewe, 60039 running-round its coal train and our Latchford reversal loco 31601 (vice Cl. 08) at Arpley yard, a minor niggle. But once again, photo stop wasn't in Pathfinder's itinerary, so picture opportunities of the main traction was difficult. However to keep to time PF are probably better off not having to corral a train load of enthusiasts back on-board!

We actually managed to do this one without overnight stays anywhere and whilst money is tight this certainly made a difference. With the Cl.60s emerging from overhaul, it is hoped the new year will bring further chances, just read the adverts more carefully from now on!

60007

Rob was at a wintery Peak Forest on the 6th of December to capture Tug

7 working 6H03 Oakleigh to Tunstead stone.

Triple Tug Tanker Treat

Rob Reedman had a very productive December 5th, managing to capture

three Cl.60 workings. 60045 working 6E54 Kingsbury to Humber Tanks and

60096 on 6M82 Walsall to Tunstead Cement empties taken at Stenson.

Plus 60024 at Barrow On Trent hauling 6E41 Westerleigh to Lindsey

tanks.

Class 60 Pools, Hours & Status 2/12/2011

Courtesy of Ken Short.
An opportune time to catch-up on the scores on the doors for the Tug fleet, the overhauled examples especially stand out with their miniscule engine hours!

60001 WNXX 13886 U 100
60002 WNTS 20508 U ONE
60003 WNTR 14062 D DEC
60004 WNTS 17258 D ONE
60005 WNTS 13513 D 100
60006 WNXX 11068 U FRE
60007 WCBK 00658 N
60008 WNXX 16701 U 100
60009 WNTS 18044 U 110
60010 WFMU 20484 D GEN
60011 WCAI 17012 N
60012 WNTR 14879 U 100
60013 WNTS 18361 D DEC
60014 WNXX 19060 U 123
60015 WNTR 18942 D 172
60017 WNTS 19711 U 112
60018 WNTS 17866 D 100
60019 WFMU 20034 D ESD
60020 WNTS 19748 U 612
60021 WNTR 13977 U 100
60022 WNTR 15392 U 100
60023 WNXX 17423 U 110
60024 WCAI 20003 N
60025 WNTS 20615 U 410
60026 WNTR 19365 U 100
60027 WNTR 16750 U 100
60028 WNTR 18707 U 612
60029 WNTS 20756 D ONE
60030 WNTS 19833 U 612
60031 WNXX 16870 U 100
60032 WNTR 10410 U 410
60033 WNTR 11745 U 410
60034 WNTS 17910 U 410
60035 WNTS 17966 U 100
60036 WNTS 14931 U 110
60037 WNTR 14696 D DEC
60038 WNXX 18772 U 100
60039 WCAI 20099 N
60040 WNTR 18765 A GEN
60041 WNTS 18361 U 100
60042 WNXX 18878 D 172
60043 WNTS 19783 D ONE
60044 WNTR 19318 U 420
60045 WCAI 17181 N
60046 WNTR 15723 D ONE
60047 WNTS 19204 D ONE
60048 WNTS 18491 U 112
60049 WCAI 17213 X 183
60050 WNXX 14280 U 112
60051 WNTR 15841 D DEC
60052 WNTS 19957 U 100
60053 WNTS 18821 U 410
60054 WCBI 00347 N
60055 WNXX 20258 D ONE
60056 WNTS 19930 D ONE
60057 WNTR 12873 U 410
60058 WNXX 11764 U 110
60059 WNTR 19925 X GEN
60060 WNTR 10338 U 410
60061 WNTR 16108 X BCH
60062 WNTS 19607 D LBT
60063 WNTR 19657 A GEN
60064 WNTR 11541 U 410
60065 WCAI 11270 N
60066 WNTR 16745 D 100
60067 WNTR 13884 U 410
60068 WNXX 19268 U 100
60069 WNTR 14401 U 410
60070 WNXX 13170 U 123
60071 WCBI 14887 N
60072 WNTR 12065 U 420
60073 WNTS 17006 U 110
60074 WFMU 18658 M GEN
60075 WNXX 20538 U 100
60076 WNTS 19852 D ONE
60077 WNTR 15006 A 110
60078 WNXX 16078 U 100
60079 WNTR 19240 X GEN
60080 WNXX 13729 U 100
60081 WNXX 11475 U 100
60082 WNXX 18040 D ONE
60083 WNTS 17356 U 110
60084 WNTS 15269 D 100
60085 WNTR 13304 U 112
60086 WNTR 13198 U 100
60087 WNTR 13306 U 110
60088 WNTR 11257 D DEC
60089 WNXX 16074 U 110
60090 WNTR 20829 U 612
60091 WCBK 00029 N
60092 WNTS 20497 D ONE
60093 WNTR 18148 U 111
60094 WNTS 19080 D ONE
60095 WNTS 20539 U ONE
60096 WCBK 15035 N
60097 WNTR 19944 U 612
60098 WNXX 09344 U FRE
60099 WCAI 18454 N
60100 WNTS 17803 U 110
60500 WNTS 18526 U 110

Stow Grid Action

I just managed to get away from work in time to catch a mega-working on Thursday 1st of December, 56311 picked up a number of redundant four wheel tankers from Harwich for disposal at EMR Kingsbury. 6Z61 is the first Cl.56 freight working I've seen at Stowmarket since I spied 56098 in the goods loop on Wednesday 31st of October 2001 at the head of a stone train en route to nearby Barham.

Many things transpired so I actually got to see this working. Initially it was "definitely" going to be a 31 hauled working, on Wednesday, at a time decent folk are in bed. However the Grid did produce southbound on Wednesday but was held at Ely for 24 hours. Rescheduling at control meant, if on time, I'd still miss the northbound working, I hadn't taken any notice of the local Gen emails though, as to my mind it was still a 31. Come knocking off time (15 late!) it was only on checking my text messages I found out it was a 56 and then worked out that if it was regulated behind my Cambridge train and the previous Norwich express I might just get it. A nail-biting period wondering if I'd just missed it was relieved by a Gen post saying it was still at Ipswich. Phew. A further flap was negated as it appeared before the unit in the video departed!

The video is poor though, shame they didn't loop it!

60091

Rob Reedman was on-hand to capture fresh out of works Tug 91 on November 29th, returning to Toton after a test jaunt to Beeston.

More RHTT Action

Went lineside yesterday and was in place to capture suitably filthy 57003 and 57004 with 3S63 Colchester-Norwich (via Ely) slowing to recess into Stowmarket Down Goods Loop.

Norwich Miscellany

Lucky chap that he is, Dad retired not long ago, one of his favourite outings is to the Norfolk Coast. En-route he'll often see something of interest and grab an image at the County Town. Here's a compendium of images and videos recorded this year, mostly by the Old Chap.

Stowmarket Tractors

A couple of videos at my home shack showing two Class 37 workings.

37601 and 37602 T&T 1Q13 test train through Stow on September 3rd 2011.

37059 and 37610 bring 3S50 Stowmarket-Norwich RHTT through the station on Monday 7th of November.

60054 & 60065

Rob Reedman sent in these piccies, 60054 passing Burton working 6E41 and 60065 passing Stenson with 6M57 on the 3rd of November.

60054

Rob Reedman captured not long out of works 60054 on the 27th of October at Willington where the former Trainload Petroleum liveried favourite was hauling 6E41 Westerleigh to Lindsey Tanks. This locomotive is the second overhauled 60 so far released, the first being 60007. Neither should be confused with identically liveried 60011, which although a recipient of the DBS paint-job, didn't undergo any major attention to electrical or mechanical components.

The "Ousing Dove"

Dad and I did Pathfinder's tour on October 15th, unfortunately, I should have perhaps looked at the advert and Baker's Atlas before chinging out £159 as we got to enjoy 60065 for a paltry 12 miles! Initially the tour itinerary had Cl.66 Bristol to Crewe, thence 2x37's for the main part, Cl.60 Monk Bretton to Wakefield, back to Brum for Shed back to Bristol.
Things had obviously gone awry though as the 37's were due maintenance exams at Crewe. So whilst we got to enjoy the 37's from Cheltenham to Crewe, the Tractor fans joining at Birmingham and Crewe plus the many lineside photters out for them would have been sorely disappointed.

On the way to Crewe, on board announcements mentioned the possibility of a 60 coming on there and a second for MB-Wakefield, now that would've been worth it!
All in all though, it was a gorgeous day (although decent pictures were difficult) and I got some more "red bits" in the book so not all bad. Next planned Tug tour is in December which promises much more miles behind a 60, much of it all new to me.

60019 (again)

While waiting for the Deltic convoy, Rob was at Sheffield and caught Tug 19 working 6E51, Peak Forest to Selby Stone on the 17th of October.

60015

Rob got this powerful shot of Tug 15 lugging 6E41 at Vigo on the Lickey Incline on the 26th of September.

60011

Rob was at Willington on the 8th of September and captured 60011 working 6F08 Sinfin to Warrington tanks.

60019

60019 working 6M11 Washwood Heath to Peak Forest empty stone passing
Chevin near Belper. Photo taken by Rob Reedman.

60099

60099 passing Duffield working 6EO8 Wolverhampton to Scunthorpe Steel on the 3rd of August. Photo by Rob Reedman.

60010

It's high time TT was updated, so I'll kick off with a few of the pics Mr. Reedman has been sending in.

Rob sent in this pleasant Sunday Summertime shot of Tug ten dozing in the sidings at Peak Forest in July.

66741

Something a bit different on 6A33, this 66 (formerly 66581) has come off lease from Freightliner and been purchased by GBRf, hence its unbranded livery.

Summer Holiday

I've had the past week off work and been fortunate enough to have been blessed with some superb weather. Making the most of it, on Wednesday (29th) Dad and I took a very short drive into the country for a walk alongside the Great Eastern Mainline between Lancaster's Crossing and Haughley Junction, the highlight of which was watching a couple of foxes going about their business and shortly after observing ex-Fastline Shed 66304 hauling 4L85, 12:28 Doncaster Railport to Felixstowe North FLT.

The following day, we had a splendid time by the sea with a trip to Cromer.

60011

Rob Reedman has kindly sent this picture of 60011 with 66110 dead in
tow on 6E94 Ratcliffe to Milford Coal Empties passing Alfreton on June
30th.

60024

Rob Reedman has sent in this mighty fine shot of Tug 24 working 6E41 on the 13th of June.

6E41 Times

Timing list for the usually solid "echo forty-one", courtesy of Richard Holmes.
WESTRLEGH 11:41
YATE PASS 11:51
CHARFIELD PASS 11:58
STANDISHJ PASS 12:11
GLOS YDJN PASS 12:20
GLOSBARNJ PASS 12:22
CHELTEMHM PASS 12:31
ALSTONUGL 12:35 13:15
ASHCHURCH PASS 13:25
ABBOTWDJN PASS 13:35
STOKEWKJN PASS 13:46
BROMSGROV PASS 13:49
BARNT GRN PASS 13:55
LONGBRIDG PASS 13:58
KINGNRTN PASS 14:04
LIFFRD EJ PASS 14:06
BORDSLYJN PASS 14:12
STANDRWSJ PASS 14:13
LANDORSTJ 14:16 14:18
WASHWDH 1 PASS 14:22
BROMFRDBG PASS 14:29
CSTLBROMJ PASS 14:37
WATEROWJN PASS 14:41
WATERORTN PASS 14:43
KINGSBRYJ PASS 14:47
TAMWRTHHL PASS 14:53
WICHNORJN PASS 15:00
BURTON PASS 15:06
CLAY MLSJ PASS 15:11
NTHSTFDJN PASS 15:18
STENSONJN PASS 15:19
SHEETSTSJ PASS 15:43
TRENTEAST PASS 15:45
BEESTONSJ PASS 15:51
LENTONSJN 15:54 16:10
MANSFLDJN PASS 16:14
NOTTINGHM 16:21 16:23
NETHERFDJ PASS 16:28
LOWDHAM PASS 16:41
FISKERTON PASS 16:51
STAYTHRPX PASS 16:53
NEWARKCSL PASS 17:01
NEWARKXNG PASS 17:02
NEWKXNGEJ PASS 17:03
BOULTHMJN PASS 17:26
WHOLMESJN PASS 17:28
LINCLNCEN PASS 17:30
PELHAM ST PASS 17:31
LANGWORTH PASS 17:40
WICKENBY PASS 17:46
HOLTONLEM PASS 17:57
WRAWBYJN PASS 18:08
BARNETBY PASS 18:10
BROCKSBYJ PASS 18:22
ULCEBY PASS 18:24
LINDSEYOR 18:33

The Afternoon Commute

East Anglia has been blessed with some very nice weather recently and, if I manage to get away from work fairly sharpish and the trains are running to time, this brings the opportunity of capturing a couple of freights that run in the region.
Although Class 66 hauled, I am thankful that I don't live somewhere where freight trains are non-existent, so if I'm in the mood I will capture them for posterity. I have learned with regret that it is prudent to record what at the time may seem mundane as once the chance has gone, you'll rarely get another go. Things change so quickly on the railways.
First along is a freightliner heading for Felixstowe:

A few minutes later, 6A33 North Walsham-Harwich passes conveying oil condensate:

6A33 and its northbound empty equivalent are quite familiar to me and in the 20 years I've worked in Needham Market, I've seen single and double headed Cl.37s, Cl.58, EWS Cl.66 and now GBRf 66s handle this working. Whilst I managed to get a few photographs of British built traction on these trains, the advance in technology means that these days it is simply a case of using the mobile phone to grab an image.

Getting There

Having only just got Tug Twilight towers connected to the rest of the world via the interweb (most of my posts being made on the mobile 'phone) I was getting increasingly frustrated with how my admittedly ancient iMac and its equally decrepit browser was handling, bumbling down the Information Super Highway like a milk float! We're now up to speed though with the most modern version of OS X the Mac will run and a major leap from Safari 2.0.4 to version 4.1.3! Carl Rayner's Class 60 Phots has been updated in Tugs on the Web, giving Picasa a try as a photo host.

Dad and I have just returned from a delightful couple of days away and managed to visit Newark Air Museum before heading into Tug territory the following day. We had to let 60045 go on 6E46 Kingsbury-Lindsey tanks but did get in position for 074 on 6E54 Kingsbury-Lindsey which runs later in the day.

There was very nearly a Midlands Tug fest with a possibility 084 might have been allox 6M00, 040 on 6D44 and 015 on 6E41. Unfortunately none of these came to anything so we headed north to Matlock and then took the short train trip to Belper to meet up with Rob Reedman for a few pints. My first meeting with the man who at times has kept TT going!
The following morning we drove the short hop to Peak Forest and having missed 099 which left earlier for Hope Street, had to be satisfied with a glimpse of 60010 ticking away on the stabling sidings.


Glorious weather and (as ever) stunning scenery in this part of the world meant any disappointment was short lived and we headed home perfectly satisfied.