6th May 2017

A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
The Talisman

Route :
1Z63 : London Kings Cross to Darlington
1Z65 : Darlington to London Kings Cross

Notes : 
(1) 21249 was only in the consist when 60163 was on the train.
(2) Off tour option: Visit to see the construction of the new P2 class 2007 'Prince of Wales' at Darlington.
(3) Doug Lindsay comments: We departed Darlington about 5 minutes late, but ran well and arrived at York on time. Our 10 minutes stop at York was reduced, then extended as we had to wait for service trains, and got away about 5 minutes late, but with good running and regulation we arrived Retford on time. This is where things went awry! We had heard that one of the two water tankers had had a blow out en route and wouldn't get to Newark, so only one tanker was available. Then on arrival at Newark we heard that the other one was stuck in a road closure on the A1(M) due to an incident! We couldn't go forward as the loco needed water in order to get to Kings Cross and then on to its depot (Southall?). We were marooned until the tanker did eventually arrive, but he also blew a tyre backing into the yard, but was able to supply some water, but not enough. So the local fire brigade was called, and they arrived after a while and their tank was emptied. Time was pressing, and it was reluctantly agreed with Network Rail that we could stop at Peterborough for more water which had obviously been arranged. We set off from Newark an hour late at 19.35 and had a good run to Peterborough at 20.20 only to find the tanker hadn't arrived yet! 'Tornado' made a stunning ascent up to Stoke Summit after passing Grantham still an hour behind time. A good run down the bank was made too. After 10 or so minutes at Peterborough the tanker arrived and connected some water was taken but shortly after it was decided because of the traffic on the Up lines we should attempt to get going, they again helped by letting us out in front of a stopper now 70 minutes late! We stayed out on the fast as far as Welwyn, and they even stopped a Welwyn starter to let us past. We arrived at Potters Bar, after a blistering run at 21.45, now 54 late.  We left there at 21.49, chased down to The Cross arriving at 22.08, just 45 late! Overall a great tour with 'Tornado' performing brilliantly, had the water arrangements not been a problem, I'm sure we would have been well on time.

Source : Doug Lindsay (on the tour throughout)

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Doug Lindsay & Realtime Trains)

Associated E.C.S. & Light Engine Moves

5Z?? : (66076 with 90037 on rear) : ???? to London Kings Cross

5Z64 : (60163 assisted by 60100) : Darlington to Darlington [Up S.S.]

0Z64 : (60163) : Darlington [Up S.S.] - Thornaby - Stockton - Darlington [Up S.S.]
(Loco turning trip)

5Z65 : (60163 assisted by 60100) : Darlington [Up S.S.] to Darlington

5Z?? : (????? with 60163 on rear) : London Kings Cross to Ferme Park Reception
5Z?? : (????? with 60163) : Ferme Park Reception to Wembley Yard

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