5043, Pride of Swindon part 3

[@robmasterman]

That was unbelievable Ralph, thanks very much for filming this unforgettable run over Ais Gill....words fail me and I'm left with a tingling spine....what a performance from Swindon's best ever designed locomotive....Bob

[@hrofc1]

Agree with all comments. A fantastic video of an amazing Castle class loco. Hats off to the crew and all involved. WoW!

[@Shoddy127]

Tell you what Ralph, that video is rather special! A cracking effort, well done Sir.

[@hiyadroogs]

So incredible it was almost emotional! The last mile, when the driver opened out to 50% cut off, the change in the exhaust took on a kind of crackle as it slammed off the hills. In the mile to the summit, she was banging out over 2030 drawbar horsepower!! Possibly a recordfor the class, & fully equal to the all out DBHP of a 47/57 diesel!! Nothing quite matches that sharp crisp Swindon bark!

[@hiyadroogs]

@ralph5407 The change in exhaust beat @ 3.20, when he puts the valve gear forward to 50% is almost supernatural! It takes on an almost metallic sound, as if the chimney is reverberating in sympathy to the beat! Awesome.

[@hiyadroogs]

@ralph5407 Already in my favourites, Ralph, along with your other uploads of this performance! Thank you!!

[@jimyoung2188]

The Earl is just a magnificent engine she is sure putting in a great performance here

[@Thom518]

VERY nice. Fantastic ! thenks a lot for this video :)

[@ralph5407]

@hrofc1 Made even more amazing when you realise that the driver on this section is more used to Stanier 5's and Pacifics. I think he had only driven a Castle on two previous occasions.

[@Mikemixolydian]

Ralph, Just wanted to let you know that 5043 shall be running to Llandudno Junction this Saturday . One of the pickup points is Crewe and coach seats are still availible. Mike

[@ralph5407]

@brossen99 Thanks Brossen, I can catagorically state, having spoken to the driver in the 47 and an impartial time keeper also stationed in the cab, that at no time did the diesel give any assistance, so yes it was a brilliant performance by a loco at the peak of it's performance.

[@acw71000]

Awesome is an overused word these days, but in this case fully justified. Cracking coverage Ralph, I love the whistle of triumph near the summit.

[@ralph5407]

@steamatspeed Thank you very much, there is quite a lot more footage but this was the best bit..

[@hiyadroogs]

@hrofc1 The power & the glory, for ever & ever, Amen!

[@brossen99]

Brilliant, but only if the 47 was not helping ?

[@ralph5407]

@Mikelandscaper Thanks Mike, I'm stewarding Friday and Monday, so Saturday in just not on, may get out to see her though near Crewe.

[@ralph5407]

@hiyadroogs Thanks for your comments, it was a great performance from loco and crew, noe for next time.....

[@ralph5407]

@Thom518 Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@ralph5407]

@robmasterman Thanks Bob, I may well put all the footage on a DVD, if I do I will let you know.

[@ralph5407]

@hrofc1 The crew have had praise and plaudits from all who were on board and the many at the lineside,

[@hiyadroogs]

@ralph5407 I don't think I've ever witnessed a greater display of raw power from a steam locomotive. According to Steam Railway magazine, @ 2030, the equivalent drawbar horsepower per foot of grate area was equal to a Duchess putting out 3450 DBHP!!! Way beyond Duchess of Abercorn levels! If a Duchess or Duke boiler could handle similar levels of steam production, size for size, at 50% cut off & full regulator, it would be producing 800 drawbar HP MORE than an all out Deltic!! Incredible!!

[@ralph5407]

@hiyadroogs Have a look at the split sceen version from 'Linesider1'. KZbin will not let me add the link to this message.

[@ralph5407]

@hiyadroogs I think we have run out of superlatives for this performance...

[@brossen99]

@AndyJeanes Must have been first rate coal !