Another of those trans-atlantic loco-on-road reports

Post by **richard** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:57 pm

This time Black 5 No. 5224 crossed the Avonmouth Bridge on the M5 about 30 mins ago. The tender is 5 miles behind.

The fireman must have a very long coal shovel!

Richard

silver fox · Post by **silver fox** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:04 pm

Very long shovel!

How about crew changes on Bittern on the way back from Newcastle on Saturday, the support coach was at THE BACK!

CVR1865 · Post by **CVR1865** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:15 am

Where did the crew used to sit on the non-stop in steam days?

60041 · Post by **60041** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:51 pm

CVR1865 wrote:Where did the crew used to sit on the non-stop in steam days?

They would sit in a dedicated "dirty" compartment in the leading coach, and make their way through the corridor tender at the half way point

silver fox · Post by **silver fox** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:29 pm

60041 wrote:
CVR1865 wrote:Where did the crew used to sit on the non-stop in steam days?
They would sit in a dedicated "dirty" compartment in the leading coach, and make their way through the corridor tender at the half way point

Suppose, there was one at the back also? don't think they turned the coach like they do now (or at York anyway, not Newcastle it would seem!)

Bittern had to come off back in York, then run round to the back, and take the support coach backwards, see her next morning being swapped back over! Bittern on York Steam

hq1hitchin · Post by **hq1hitchin** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:14 pm

A very good question - on the down Elizabethan I believe the third (second) class was at the front and there would have been a reserved compartment in the leading brake third. Coming south, presumably the first class vehicles were leading so did the men have to walk right through the train?

I do know they got free meals in the dining car (officially) and beer from the passengers in the buffet car (unofficially) ha ha

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:08 am

Black 5 No 5224? I think not! 5224 is a GWR heavy freight tank, based at the NYMR, and was on movement to the West Somerset Railway Gala! I wonder where this tender has materialised from?

Post by **richard** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:35 am

Looking back, the report did have a question mark after "Black 5". I did a quick google and did get some hits. I just re-did the search - yes there's a GWR 2-8-0T. Also there *was* a Black 5 with that number at one time

I don't know where the tender came from, or the LMS/GWR mis-identification.

Richard

hq1hitchin · Post by **hq1hitchin** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 5:39 pm

Regarding where the men sat in The Elizabethan, I was chatting with Jack Stannard today, ex foreman at Stratford loco, and onetime Top Shed fireman in the link that worked the non-stop. He tells me there were third/second class compartments at the front of the train in both directions reserved for the locomen.

He also tells me that, if the scoop had packed up, the recoognised drill for letting them know you needed to stop for water was to lean out when passing a strategic signalbox, with your tongue hanging out and pointing to it! Seems they used to get the message ok ha ha

giner · Post by **giner** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:14 pm

Ha Ha! I like the 'tongue hanging out' tale. I have to admit that the only occasional gesticulation I've seen from a passing locomotive crew to a signalman (there were one or two 'regulars' at this to "Dubber" at Stevenage area boxes) was a friendly V-sign. LOL!

52A · Post by **52A** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:11 pm

hq1hitchin wrote:Regarding where the men sat in The Elizabethan, I was chatting with Jack Stannard today, ex foreman at Stratford loco, and onetime Top Shed fireman in the link that worked the non-stop. He tells me there were third/second class compartments at the front of the train in both directions reserved for the locomen.

He also tells me that, if the scoop had packed up, the recoognised drill for letting them know you needed to stop for water was to lean out when passing a strategic signalbox, with your tongue hanging out and pointing to it! Seems they used to get the message ok ha ha

The official method was to whistle for water using the appropriate whistle code...1 long and 3 short.