The Torbay Express (Sun 08/07-09/09 + Sat 21/07, 11/08)

[BristleGWR]

This Sunday sees the start of the Torbay Express season. The times for the Sunday runs are here http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t07/torbay.htm there are also a couple of Saturday runs but times for these have yet to be submitted.

6024 King Edward I is currently at the WSR, it is due to make a light engine move to Bristol Barton Hill this Saturday.

[DAVE]

Once again the King proves the Torbay express is "aptly" named.
Through Nailsea and Backwell 30 minutes early, "eat your heart out" First Great Western!
Another superb show from KE1, a credit to the 6024 society, roll on next Sunday!

Dave Nailsea

[stopblock]

You will find that the 30 mins early running is due to water stop not required and its genorus running time between worle and bristol .

[DAVE]

The following backs up my previous thoughts on last Sundays run back from Kingswear.
Paignton to Exeter scheduled for 47 minutes, actual time 34 minutes!
20 minutes allowed for Taunton water stop, water not taken but 6024 stopped to drop off passengers.
6.5 minutes taken off the WSM -BTM timings after a standing start from WSM.
What is believed to be a Record speed with 11 coaches on of 73mph+ over the top at Flax Bourton [steam in preservation]
An arrival in BTM 37 Minutes early!
Long live the KING!!!!
Not bad for a 1927 vintage loco!

Dave Nailsea

[gwrmad]

Well it was built to run on The Great Western Railway Wasn't it!

[MKC]

how much does tickets for this cost and can u just buy them at Temple Meads?

[BristleGWR]

how much does tickets for this cost and can u just buy them at Temple Meads?

I'm not sure if you can book on the day, please see here http://www.past-timerail.co.uk/torbay.html for prices and more details.

[free2grice]

how much does tickets for this cost and can u just buy them at Temple Meads?

The ticket price is within a few pence of fifty quid. Last year I had a word with one of the reps from Past-Time Rail at Bristol T.M. and he was quite happy to let me pay on the day. In terms of value for money the ticket price takes some beating. Steam haulage from the minute you board to the minute you return. Fast running along the Somerset levels and the seawall and a couple of good inclines thrown in to test the loco and crews. Fantastic scenery throughout, comfortable seating (no Virgin airline style seats) and windows that you can open and look out from. What else could you ask for? <BJ>

[mow]

Took a couple of shots this morning at Wild Country Lane, Long Ashton. The camera didn't seem to want to work as well as I had expected. Could see the exhaust from quite a distance. The embankments on the Weston side of the overbridge seem to have some work in progress, might be just grass cutting, or it could be something more involved.

[DAVE]

The Monarch triumphs again.
Another 30minutes+early arrival.
Forget missed water stops, reliability is the "name of the game".
Alison Forster of FGW has just lost her Franchise due to reliabbility and overcrowding issues.
I suggest Arriva build a fleet of Kings, couple them up to eleven coaches and all problems solved!!!!

Dave Nailsea

[BristleGWR]

The Torbay Express this mornng between Long Ashton and Flax Bourton.

[mow]

Have added some shots from today's departure from Temple Meads Station. Weather was a bit changable, but the train was shrouded in steam on departure.