Mallard World Record Anniversary today

[mick b]

See link

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... ntry433714

[strang steel]

This is just a minor point but presuming the train turned at Barkston Junction, how would it have done this?

Would it cross the up line at Barkston South, and run onto the Sleaford line to Barkston East Junction before reversing to North Junc?

And if so, would another loco have been attached to the rear between East and North Juncs in order to control reversal out onto the main line?

Or would the train continue to North and then reverse down to East?

I have often wondered about this, not just for Mallard's train but for the works test trains that accompanied loco running-in from Doncaster?

[rob237]

..Would it cross the up line at Barkston South, and run onto the Sleaford line to Barkston East Junction before reversing to North Junc?...

Seem to recall that Ossie Nock, who was aboard, quoted that manoevre...
The standard photo, which sometimes appears, seems to indicate that the entourage waited in a loop/siding, at the north end, for the 'right away'...

Having seen the Donny Pacific Test engine at Barkston a few times, can confirm that it turned via this North/East/South triangle. The loco then occupied a short headshunt, near the station area, awaiting a clear run back north. Whilst waiting a path, a thorough loco inspection always took place - occupying 10/15 minutes.

Cheers
Robt P.

[strang steel]

Thanks Robert, I tended to assume that procedure - but it is nice to have actual confirmation.

There should be a track layout of North Junction somewhere. I must search for one.