Powerfully Performing Pacifics: May 23rd 2009.

Saturday 23rd May was the day of "Eastleigh 100". A day when many ex SR locos etc would be on display at the old Eastleigh motive power depot. And a day when two pacific hauled trains would be heading on the mainline to that destination. But other ex SR pacifics would also be working that day, and not at Eastleigh! next The Nine Elms Dedication Discusssion Forum

It was an early start for Clan Line from Waterloo, and for anyone wanting to photograph the Merchant Navy. The early start meant a pathway down the main line from Waterloo. A pathway taken full advantage of by the loco crew who, with the correct route code on the front, knocked nearly a minute of the 1964 Atlantic Coast Express schedule of 50 minutes to passing Worting Junction. Above, the pacific races past Winchfield at 70 mph. next

Despite a late start from Waterloo, and despite catching the preceeding Waterloo to salisbury train, Clan Line was early into the Grateley water stop. Seen just leaving the station after the tender had been topped up.

next The weather was warm. But earlier fog and mist had left the air moist, giving an unexpected display of visible power as the pacific accelerated up the steep grade away from the station. next

There had been no doubt at all about the powerful perfomance of 35028 on the historically fast run from Waterloo to Andover. The first of four powerfully performing pacifics I was to photograph during the day! next

The second powerful pacific performance of the day was an easy drive away at Alton. Where 34007, "Wadebridge" was heading the 11.55 from Alton to Alresford. next Museum lines can sometimes see quite docile running. Not here! The pacific on the six car train had to be well and truly opened up to get the train moving on the 1/60 climb away from Alton! (Thanks to Andy Cook for help). next After that display of pacific power I was off on a gentle drive North to Worting Junction in the hope of seeing 70013 storm past on special paasenger train for Eastleigh. And storm past it did after a signal stop just east of the Junction! next Even though I had quite a long drive for my last powerful pacific of the day, I lingered at Worting even after 70013 had passed me by. The restart from the signal stop was done with vigour, and the noise as Ollie accelerated hard up the grade could be heard for some time after the train had passed by. next 70013 had been a little late passing Worting and traffic conditions on the M3 were very bad as I got near to the M25. So it was touch and go as to whether I would see my fourth powerfully performing pacific of the day. But I had a few minutes in hand at Hortsed Keynes to see 34059 depart on the 15.00 from Sheffield Park. next The location was chosen as I wanted to hear the pacific workingt hard: no dissapointment as I stood on the bridge and heared the three cylinder exhaust as the three cylinder Bulleid worked hard up to Sharpthorne tunnel. A fitting end to a day that shows Powerfully Peforming Pacific are Positively Plentiful in the South. (Thanks to Peter Murnaghan) top  Earlier 2009 Photos   Index