29th December 2007

Kingfisher Railtours
The Elgar Explorer

Route:
1Z67 : Ealing Broadway to Gloucester
1Z68 : Gloucester to Ealing Broadway

Notes :
(1) Support coach only in consist when 6024 was hauling the train.
(2) 67027 on rear.

Source : Gordon Jakes (joined at Leamington Spa/left at Birmingham New Street)

Tour Review
(from Gordon Jakes, including photos)

The original concept for the ascent of the Lickey Incline (the tour highlight) was for the train to leave Spetchley Up Goods Loop with both locomotives working. It was agreed that the maximum speed of 75mph would be achieved and that 67027 would stop working at Bromsgrove such that the ascent of the Lickey would be totally under the power of 6024. In the event, 75mph was swiftly achieved after leaving the loop but the brakes were applied and the train was brought to a stand south of Bromsgrove Up Goods Loop. After a delay of 7½ minutes the train was moved forward into the Up Goods Loop where a further delay was encountered. We were advised that having attained 75mph, the footplate crew had noted severe fluctuations in the automatic lubrications pressure gauge reading. This had to be checked and hence the unplanned recess into the Up Goods Loop at Bromsgrove. Fortunately the results of the investigation proved the automatic lubrication to be working satisfactorily – the gauge was at fault. The decision was made that the train could proceed but the plan for the ascent of the Lickey had to be revised. From a stationary start in the Up Goods Loop, both engines were worked flat out to the summit at Blackwell where after 6024 took sole charge again. The speed at Bromsgrove was 30mph and this had increased to 40mph by Blackwell where 67027 shut off power.

Kingfisher Railtours apologized that the timings and route differed significantly from the original concept. This was reportedly due to “the numerous problems Network Rail had when timing the train because of engineering work, pathing constraints and loading gauge restrictions.” Under these circumstances it is not fair to level any criticism but the comment on the train was that there was too much stop and not enough go! Apart from the hic-cup with the lubrication gauge 6024 performed very well on those sections where it was possible to get up speed and all credit is due to the 6024 team.

67027 arrives into Leamington Spa in the morning.

Winter sunshine at Hereford as 6024 prepares to depart.

A quick service stop for 6024 at Gloucester.

Gordon Jakes

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Gordon Jakes)

Timings continue in first table.

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