Thanks for the info everyone.

Saw it earlier down the line - had forgotten how fast those things can move. What a sight - took me back too many years!

Perhaps FGW can be persuaded to invest eh!?

But it knocks all sorts of s**t out of the engine running it on the main lines. We restored 7903 to main line standard but refrained from running it on the main line. She runs on the G&WR and has one year approx left on her boiler ticket, and has run that period with the minimum of problems and is the favourite loco of the drivers. On the main line she would have had to had a pretty major overhaul by now, something a private group could never afford.

If they did I'd never say a bad word about them again and even buy shares...!

Suppose it always did, the LNER speed merchants amply demonstrated that in the 1930s! Can well understand why there are so few full speed events, or indeed long hauls. Good to know you are keeping them going.

There she goes! for anyone who missed it and is interested.

Excellent movie, they don't make them like they used to......Oh, wait a minute.........

There is a main line speed limit on preserved steam engines, the big uns with the large driving wheels, 75mph. Tornado was designed for 90-100 mph and if the man on the plate (not the driver) decide that the road is good, will allow 80mph or possibly a bit more for 20 miles max. The maximum permitted speed for the old Mk 1 coaches is however 90mph.

Theoretically, Tornado could haul main line at 100mph with the correct coaches but it's unlikely as the engine owners might not want to stress their iron horse too much.

Sounds good to me - I would be quite happy in the Dining Car with an old style railway menu, 1st class of course!

Absolutely!

All Mk1's now running on the main line are on either commonwealth or B4 bogies and are passed for 100mph.

Just seen a synonym for gricer: ferroequinologist. I like it!

Never heard of that one before!
I will use it.
Sounds better than trainspotter (which, by the way, I am not) anyway!!

From the Latin (obviously) - ferro- iron equus - horse then the -ologist bit (which is Greek, so a bit of a mixup).

To be a purist, it should be siderohippologist (I had to look up the sidero- = iron bit ). Then it's all Greek to you and me.

My original source.

http://www.anorak.co.uk/

may I suggest a subscription may be in order?

From the Latin (obviously) - then the ....bit which is Greek, so a bit of a mixup.

A bit like Television then.

Very good. But how long has knowing a language (even as a distant memory) been an anorakable offence? Maybe that's the problem with the school curriculum these days - too much emphasis on media studies and the like.

It was meant in a sense of jocularity. And you did spend some time on it, still never mind. At least I still know how to smile.

OK SOH rebooted.

Steam this coming
Wednesday 24 October 2012

BR(S) Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 no 35028 "Clan Line" on the VSOE.

Newbury Racecourse 11:00 - 11:20 taking water.

Not returning this way this time though.