No.70 fails to climb out of Highley!!! SVR ,14th May 2022

The first day of running for No.70 'Queen Elizabeth II' (AKA 34027 Taw Valley) ,with 43106 working the other steam service at the Severn Valley Railway.
The 'purple' West Country class loco, is seen struggling to leave Highley and climb the bank.
About 15 minutes later, the train reappears, reversing back into and through the station at Highley, in order to take a run at it on her second attempt. Shhe makes it this time, but can still be heard struggling in the distance.
14th May 2022

[@AndreiTupolev]

As the Rev Awdry would tell you, engines have ways of expressing their feelings, and this was probably Taw Valley's protest at being painted that icky colour 😌

[@jaybee1921]

That "icky" colour just so happens to be the Official ROYAL colour and was used in honour of Her Majesty, The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. I am getting soooo hacked off with the negative critical comments about this locomotives' TEMPORARY livery. I suppose the lefty woketards will be joining in next, so they can do one as well...when this year is over I expect Number 70 will return to it's former livery, name and number...

[@philclarke3203]

Haha, that thought had crossed my mind too 😀

[@chrisvaughan159]

Have to say, I wouldn't paint that colour on my walls. The house would complain!

[@philclarke3203]

@@chrisvaughan159 not too mention the neighbours 😂

[@LiveSteamNick]

Lovely colour!!!

[@helipeek2736]

I’d have a massive strop too, if I was made to look like Prince in his Purple Rain phase.🤦‍♂️

[@tattoo1084]

Brilliant footage by both of u. Got used to Taw Valley in that livery.👍

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks David. 😀👍

[@greatwesternproductions2857]

Excellent film, great flowing narrative! I was on the SVR yesterday having my second TTI training turn and we had Taw Valley on the head of the blood & custard set plus two GW dining cars. She was facing Bridgnorth. We were the first train out of Kidder, 8 mins late and it started to rain. Bewdley and Arley, we made up some time. When we got to Highley, we got halfway up and stalled. Rolled back over the bridge and past the museum then had another go. Stalled again. Reversed and had a third go and this time, we did it. Most passengers were happy despite the delay and we did manage to make up some time on the return trip. Sooner it bows out, the better most people said. Anyhow, as I say, great film 👍 Cheers and keep up the great work - Alex.

[@philclarke3203]

Many thanks Alex. Wow, 3 attempts, that must have been a tense time for everyone, especially the footplate crew. 👍

[@arthurgrowler5749]

Nice Footage Phil enjoyed the watch 👍

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks Arthur. 😀

[@TrainLoverHimu]

Great video, well filmed.👍🎥👍👍👍😊

[@philclarke3203]

Many thanks

[@Reggyrail]

Experts everywhere!

[@trainsimandy430]

I can remember being behind 80079 on a drizzly day in the late 80's and stalling on the bank. We took 3 bites of the cherry and still failed. Luckily 2857 was sat in the loop being run in after overhaul and was quickly utilized as a banker. Finally made it up 30-40 minutes down

[@pbsteamatspeed7683]

Rode behind this both ways last week. Very poor steaming performance due to the mixing of real coal with pellets, and on a lighter train load. The northbound standing start out of Highley is on a really sharp curve, and the extra observation carriage probably didn't help...I very much doubt any crew would fare better given the gradient, curve, load AND the less than ideal coal/pellet mix. Well done to them for making it on the second attempt.

[@swanage_spotting7272]

Bulleids have brilliant steaming boilers that you spend more time keeping them quite if you fire them right, doubt the coal would be a major problem

[@yorkshirewanderer6176]

Similar incident yesterday where she was late getting to Bridgenorth and hearing from those that had been on the train that it took 9 attempts to get out of Highley having required a run up.

[@stephencope7178]

I didn't see a wisp of steam at the safety valves. This could indicate that the boiler pressure was low and perhaps the vacuum was not quite sufficient to pull the brakes off fully?? Re the colour. . .wouldn't Royal Blue paint have been more appropriate and saving a future repaint too. .just a thought.

[@peterwalker417]

Got to admire the driver's control of the loco (at 2:32) in moving so gently up to the coaches. I have trouble with the car where it's relatively easy to see the end of the bonnet (and also with parking sensors) never mind with that long boiler and no sight of the buffers.

[@mikeuk4130]

Nice work, Harry!

[@philclarke3203]

Many thanks!

[@tombaxter6228]

Bulleid Pacifics were notoriously prone to slipping when pulling away. They used the pilot engine to bank them out of Waterloo Station, so I imagine that's what happened here.

[@johnkeepin7527]

They have a reputation for that, but it’s a long time since I’ve seen it happen with one, and almost never with the “Peninsula & Oriental S.N. Co.” on the GWSR. Evidently well handled on recent visits there. Incidentally, they seemed to have enough coal on site last weekend - a couple of clips of that on my channel in the “GWSR Festival of Steam 2022” entry show that. There were 8 locos working then - including “Joyce”, the Sentinel industrial one.

[@ciala51]

But neaver disrespect one of bulleid’s grand designs

[@ianjones4116]

It was the fault of all those Trainspotters with full bellies lol. Should have put that 31 on it . Great vid Phil. Good catch. 👍😎😎

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks Ian. All the extra weight, and hanging out the windows, causing extra drag too. It's too be expected 🙄😅👍

[@kennethrodmell9006]

A minor hiccup - but soon sorted and no one inconvenienced. All kudos to SVR and its dedicated volunteers who make it all happen - I expect they'd soon have the UK's shambolic airports sorted too, given half a chance!

[@philclarke3203]

I completely agree Kenneth. Unpaid volunteers, doing a far better job than overpaid politicians and big businesses running most things at the moment!

[@davideasterlow3906]

This happened during the Spring Steam Gala 2017 to '92 Squadron', it was having the same problem. First train of the day, slightly damp rails and running tender first it struggled to leave Hampton Loade. The 9F had no problem with the next train, but it had dry rails and was running loco first. There is a video of it on here.

[@richardswiderski4985]

Great video Phil looked hot poor engine.the Flying Pig looked good.

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks Rick. It was hot. 😃

[@Pjs75]

Don’t tell me! That Bulleid light Pacific, temporarily aka as 70 Queen Elizabeth II, has mobility problems?

[@philclarke3203]

None of us, can run round like we used to as we get older? 🏃‍♂️😂

[@iancamp5523]

Probably a protest at being painted purple!

[@SimonTog]

Nice video Phil :)

[@johndavies1090]

There used to be an old joke that Bullied Pacifics needed the big, brass nameplates over the driving wheel to give them a bit more grip - unkind, but they were notoriously fiddle-footed. As for the livery - someone once said there is nothing to stop a heritage railway painting their engines any colour they like, hence the BR 4MT tank in Caledonian livery which ran for a while on, I think, the Keswick & Windermere line. The LNWR even painted a 'Greater Britain' compound 2-2-2-2 in ivory and lilac to mark Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee - I'm just glad I wasn't one of the cleaners!

[@bruceanderton1518]

The Caledonian blue 2-6-4T was actually on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, and it was a Fairburn-designed ex-LMS loco, not a BR Standard.

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

nice one Phil. Looks like a loco out of Thomas the Tank.

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks Keith. Just the needs a face, and call it Penelope the purple engine. 😀

[@almostkentish3042]

The Bulleids were fairly light-footed engines, and thus getting them to start on the grade with a train of a decent length took a lot of driver skill. The struggle is probably a result of the driver misjudging his start-away.

[@philclarke3203]

True and yes could well be.

[@PolishThatHandle346]

Loco lost its footing and couldn't restart on the grade. Don't think the driver did much wrong - just felt they could up the reg at the wrong time causing the wheels to slip

[@robertbate5790]

Interesting! I've heard said that teak coaches are quite heavy, not sure if it's true though. The other thing I noticed was 43106 slipped twice in the same spot in the two on board shots, curious! Another nice shot from Harry, and the little train ride was great too. Thanks both 😃😃

[@Sam_Green____4114]

They should have hand sanded the rails !!!

[@olly5764]

It';s true regarding teak coaches yes, most coaches of the period were wooden bodied (although the other railways clad those bodies in steel, and had fairly light underframes, weighing around 30 tons, the LNER stock sits on heavier, more robust underframes, with heavy "High speed" bogies and solid Pullman ends, being closer in construction to the much later BR Mk1s at least below the bodywork, and typically tip the scales at between 33 and 35 tons (39 for the buffet car) The problem, however, at Highley, is often caused by flange greasers, intended to reduce wear and flange squeal on the tight curves on the top of the hill. On warm days, the grease becomes thinner and goes everywhere, leaving a film of gunk on the rail head.

[@olly5764]

@@Sam_Green____4114 easier said than done, especially with steam sand in reverse on one of those things, the water and gunk that comes out of your sanders initially can actually make things worse, you have to anticipate if you are going to slip and have them on in advance

[@K1W1fly]

Does that class of loco have sanding nozzles aft of the drivers (i.e. for operation in reverse) There seemed to be a lot of water leaking from the tender in an earlier shot too, so the rails could be wet. Didnt seem to be having wheel slip though, just really underpowered.

[@richardharrold9736]

Bulleids can be accused of many things. Lacking power ain't one of 'em!

[@24trains]

Great movie, would love to have it as well on our website, how we can get in touch to arrange this?

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks. Not sure of the best way.

[@alanmiddleditch5696]

Trying out the new artificial coal no doubt

[@philclarke3203]

Can't beat the real stuff, like most things!

[@rodsmith3911]

Bert Hitchen must be turning in his grave seeing his old loco painted up like a tart! No wonder she won't go uphill.

[@tuc-dh4df]

Change the number, but its still a SLIPPER class to me!😁😁

[@philclarke3203]

😂😂

[@upthebracket26]

Diesel: 'Pathetic'

[@djburland]

34027 Taw Valley regularly made the steep climb out of Weymouth back in steam days. Blame the coal or god forbid the driver !

[@philclarke3203]

Coal, and shortage of good coal causing alot of problems at the moment.

[@levelcrossing150]

@@philclarke3203 There is plenty of great quality coal just under our feet.

[@colinsmith6280]

It could be to do with the changes in coal usage due to Envormental changes Welsh steam coal and coal in general will be more or less banded by the end of this year , and the man made alternative coal is not the same energy value as Steam coal ,plus coal prices have more than doubled since 2019 .

[@markwilson8002]

Poor driving / firing , Donald Beele would have had her racing up the hill.

[@philclarke3203]

He could well have done.

[@thomasking55]

Should have used that 31 for banking assistance!!

[@mallard2446]

Great video mate you have some of the best shots by the way Is that your son on your profile picture?

[@philclarke3203]

Many thanks. Yes it is, but taken a few years ago now.

[@ollieb927]

Id assume the loco should have enought power in it? Or is the load to much or gradient to steep? Yeah not keen on the colour myself.

[@philclarke3203]

It's managed the gradient many times before, so not sure what the problem was.

[@philclarke3203]

@mattb948 seen a few struggling there too. In fact my most popular video by far. "Repton struggles out of Bridgnorth" 😀

[@mickyhifi]

In my spotting days in the 1950's they were always known as Southern Region Slippers....they could never climb any inclines very much at all

[@sightscreen66]

That's a matter of opinion --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKTEk2SFna59mcU

[@04clemea]

Could never climb inclines much at at all? Are you joking? They're incredible hill climbers, 34067 has made some blistering runs on very steep gradients in the past and 35028 is 600 ton Pullman trains regularly. If search 34067 on Hemerdon bank, you'll put that misconception to rest.

[@waynebaker3481]

It done it again on the Saturday on the jubilee celebrations

[@rarerufus8864]

Can't wait for this weekend to be over ... then that revolting purple paint can be removed. Probably help her steam better too. 😂

[@philclarke3203]

Could well do, but people will have to find something else to complain about? 😂

[@rarerufus8864]

@@philclarke3203 Can't see that being a problem for most 😉.

[@LiveSteamNick]

What nonsense!!

[@philclarke3203]

@@rarerufus8864 very true. 😂

[@rarerufus8864]

@@LiveSteamNick Bang on cue ... case rested 👌.

[@anthonycoffey8753]

Failed to pull away or struggled to pull away? I'm presuming the second attempt worked? Good film footage, really awful colour for an otherwise beautiful locomotive.

[@philclarke3203]

Thanks. Failed first time, out of sight. But got away with a struggle second time. Very controversial livery, but only temporary, luckily. 😀

[@CrossfellRailwayVideos]

You do wonder "why"? I mean, that loco has been there before with no problems!

[@philclarke3203]

No problem, when it was green?

[@85dstudios]

It may be an impact on the coal, the coal they were using was a mix of ovoid and Columbian coal. Ovoid coal has to be spread about across the whole firebox equally, and has to be thrown in up against the walls of the firebox, on a bulleid light pacific, it has a wide firebox instead of a long one meaning it’s difficult to spread the coal out evenly. Ovoid coal is difficult to shovel if you don’t know how to shovel it. Other reasons are it could be how extremely hot it is, it could’ve had an impact on the track, as i was here on this day too and felt the extreme temperatures myself! Or it could just be driver mistake.

[@bennickss]

When is 34027 going to return to its much nicer colour?

[@Alpha-oo8]

May not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love that purple colour… it’s as shame it’s not gonna last long… I’m all for unusual liveries, so the more the merrier! Makes a change from the four regular colours, at least

[@csrthings]

yea it’s for the Queen’s platinum jubilee

[@stevewhaley997]

Hi, Is the loco 43106 a ex Lostock hall 10 D, engine? In 1968, i would go to the shed a watch the last months of the steam trains on BR. I think this was one of them. Can anyone tell me , if I am correct. I do have a smoke box number plate off 43031, which I paid £1 ,10s for, Thanks Steve

[@philclarke3203]

Hi Steve. Yes, Lostock Hall was the last shed she was allocated to in service, from September 1967. From there she was withdrawn and went straight to the Severn Valley. Great bargain, or did it seem dear at the time?

[@stevewhaley997]

@@philclarke3203 Hi Phil, Thanks for the reply. If only we knew, what thing would now be worth. At the time I earned 2s and six pence for a paper round. I have over the years collected many items from that time. Like the original plan of the shed from 1945, steam clocks and brass handles, given to me by fitter in the shed. Also black and white and coloured photo of the locos including 43106 and 70013 and a book out of the signal box at Carnforth shed, info :- locos on and off each day 1967/8. Name plates cost £25 at that time, 6 weeks wages.

[@philclarke3203]

@@stevewhaley997 you're welcome. Sounds like a nice local collection for you. £25 for a nameplate seems great, until you say it was 6 weeks wages.

[@lescliff1795]

Fantastic colour

[@cheetah7813]

Oh that’s why she was late

[@steeley4879]

Oh dear

[@Rockdoc2174]

The exhaust beat sounds very uneven to me so perhaps she was down on power?

[@philclarke3203]

Very possible.

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

Three cylinders always sound a bit uneven.

[@Rockdoc2174]

@@CaseyJonesNumber1 they can do but I got the impression there was something amiss with one cylinder. It wasn't just the evenness of the chuffs but one was much quieter.

[@philbartlett7898]

@@Rockdoc2174 must admit I wondered about the exhaust beat. A Bulleid once on the move settled down into a 123 123 123 123 rhythm, but one of those chuffs on "70" didn't seem so strong. Having said that the Bulleid pacifics sometimes struggled to get away on canted track. My dad always said to watch a down train leave Basingstoke on the island platform and you would often see the loco slip, even if not even a pacific. As for the livery, get used to it for this year. It is different and eyecatching, and draws the punters to the SVR. It will soon be back to a boring BR green West Country next year or the year after.

[@Rockdoc2174]

@@philbartlett7898 Both classes of Bulleid pacific were notoriously light-footed and it was very common to hear one slipping in BR days on a normal service train. Once they were moving they could fly but getting them away cleanly was an art.

[@davidbennetts616]

From watching the video I wouldn't blame the driver, fireman or coal quality. The loco probably wasn't fitted with sanders for reverse running. Such express passenger locos rarely needed to travel in reverse with heavy trains when originally in service, so there was basically no need for such equipment. The engine crew were obviously quite familiar with the line and its gradients, coming from a standing start at the station and immediately encountering a steep grade, you could hear the loco slipping with rapid exhaust beats as it was attempting the hill. Once they had backed up and made the second attempt you could see that the last coach was going through the platform at a few miles an hour, the train therefore had much more momentum than on the first, failed attempt. Here's a video with our renowned loco 3801 here in NSW Australia from an excursion some years ago, experiencing considerable difficulty under similar circumstances. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4S1dKR8m9iiZ7M As a matter of interest, I'm looking forward to seeing it stop at my local station today in about three hours time, hauling an excursion train from Sydney.

[@Electricfox]

Pretty sure the Light Pacifics had front and rear sanders, but as others have said, they were always a bit light footed.

[@JintySteam1]

I hate to say this, but I feel that because a lot of the ex BR drivers are slowly disappearing that new and younger volunteer crews aren't getting the same fine touches that they have. I didn't think there was that much of a steep gradient out of Highley.

[@stevechandler2588]

Utter rubbish! A lot of our younger drivers have been taught by ex BR enginemen. Starting from the same point at Highley as every other loco in the 'down' direction, sharp reverse curves, flange greasers pumped on to the rails about 100 yards out of the station, which can become extremely slippy in the hot weather, and the loco facing tender first where all the weight is on the front bogie instead of the rear driving wheels. Although volunteers don't get the experience as those who did it day in, day out. They are fortunate enough to have picked up the skills from them. This has even happened with TV when the most experienced drivers have been on the regulator.

[@stephenhinds4216]

Seems very short of steam to me

[@TheDemocrab]

Purple should be a more common livery. It looks nice on it, although admittedly it doesn't match the poo-brown on the coaches.

[@stephenchappell7512]

BR did try it back in the late 40's on A4 No 60028 Walter K Whigham

[@peternorris6438]

Did. Make it in the end

[@Sam_Green____4114]

Oh dear !! You are not supposed to propel passenger stock with passengers aboard !! oh dear !! Somebody's broken the rules!

[@richardmycroft5336]

I love the purple loco.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I believe this is the first time for your 11 year old son to be filming this

[@philclarke3203]

Yes, indeed it is.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@philclarke3203 oh right okay

[@rodneycooperLMSCoach]

Shouldn't have painted it that damn silly colour.

[@alexthewoo]

its funny, cope

[@philclarke3203]

Certainly getting the publicity though. 😂

[@naturelover2238]

Mission failed 😣

[@donniblanco5239]

I’ve just realised that I film like an 11 yr old 😄😜- Gr8 Vid, thanks for posting 👍🏻

[@philclarke3203]

Haha. Many thanks

[@user-uz6ny3dj3k]

This isn't even a regal purple... more of a dark lilac... not nice!

[@philclarke3203]

Very controversial to say the least. 🤔😀

[@kenmcdowell5325]

Glad I'm colour blind

[@LiveSteamNick]

You’ll find it’s the exact Pantone 3531c shade Royal Lilac. If you don’t like it fine but it’s staying a while!

[@philclarke3203]

@@kenmcdowell5325 😂😂

[@kevinwilliams1602]

A long long time ago I watched a video of one of those locomotives attempting to depart Brockenhurst, it took amnappalling 45 minutes to get moving, they are just a useless pile of motiveless power as far as I'm concerned

[@heikonaujoks]

hi phil i grüsse dich da can man sagen dat eure trains top sind

[@philclarke3203]

Many thanks Heiko

[@hotboxxxexxxpress1509]

What is with that paint scheme? Jeez, I know the bullies had slipping problems, but she just doesn't want to move, for the sheer embarrassment lol.

[@MyMustang72]

that 31 could do a better job .its not even a damp day

[@keithtanner2806]

That puce is vile. 🤮🤮🤮

[@stevechandler2588]

So many 'experts'. So little knowledge...

[@04clemea]

It's clearly the paint casing the loco to slip and lose performance 😂

[@bruceanderton1518]

Mr Bulleid's Pacifics were not designed to be hill-climbers-they struggled oft times just trying to get out of London Victoria station-and that ridiculous paint scheme certainly doesn't help!

[@04clemea]

They were very much designed to climb hills and do so very well. The climb out of Victoria is viscous and a struggle for any locomotive. This comment section is just a constant splash of false statements 🤦‍♂️

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Just goes to show Taw Valley isn't as good at climbing up hills on preserved railways, as she once was. She's not young any more, and I can see she doesn't like the purple livery she's wearing. She's crying out for the icky colour to be removed. Trust me, purple doesn't suit Taw Valley at all, and she's not royalty. Let's hope she's given a good few days' rest, or she could struggle a lot more come the event. That will never do.😉

[@philclarke3203]

She could well be protesting over the colour 😳. Yes better rest and be in top form for the big day. 😀

[@shipsarerubbish]

What are you talking about ? She's not young anymore? I makes no difference the age of the machine, it's perfectly happy to climb hills and has done so on many occasions. It's this kind of steam veg dribble that makes me facepalm every time. When it's back out on the mainline, it'll show what it can really do.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

@@shipsarerubbish All steam engines age, as we humans do. Taw Valley is beginning to feel old, but not quite worn out. The inclines on the Severn Valley Railway are not all gentle and forgiving. Resident steamy Hinton Manor has struggled valiantly to get up the hill out of Bridgnorth Station, so has visitor City of Wells. Taw Valley hasn't exactly said she's not going anywhere, she will work hard. But she is getting older, just like us humans. She has feelings and emotions. The day will come when you're not as steady on your pins as you once were. Think about that.😉

[@shipsarerubbish]

​@@kellyashfordtrains2642 you have no idea what you're talking about. This is real life not some Thomas fantsay where they have feeling and emotions. The engine copes fine, it's done it many times before, it just had a bad run on this occasion. The gradients are not steep compared to what it has done in the past or will do again in the future. It's absolutely in fine condition irrelevant of age, as many parts have been replaced over the years. City of Wells has flown up the railway inclines during it's visit. It's embarrassing for you to think like that, and others to agree with you.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

@@shipsarerubbish My dear young fellow, I know what I'm talking about perfectly well. You may think steam engines don't have age in years, but they do. I've been told so in all truth and honesty. Taw Valley is a very delicate machine, more so than you first think or imagine. There are certain things she doesn't approve of, just like you and me. She has feelings and can express them to us in her own steamy fashion. Yes, she's been repainted purple. Does she like it? No. I can tell that she doesn't. Her true colour is Brunswick Green, the livery seen on Great Western Engines like Odney Manor and Clun Castle. Taw Valley has proved her worth, and she certainly loves thundering along the main line. What steam engine doesn't? She can get up gentle gradients, no problem. Right now, her wheels have started to slow down slightly. It's easily noticeable, if you watch closely from the lineside. She's feeling her age, just like we humans eventually do. The day may come when Taw Valley won't be running at all. I'm sure we don't want that.😉

[@petergaskin1811]

Is there no end to the fawning nonsense perpetrated on a perfectly sensible locomotive by the Flag Shaggers and Forelock Tuggers Locomotive Painting Society?

[@abdullavazhayil4868]

Still steam engine? Burning Fossil fuel is being avoided every where....in our India steam engine is no more plying...Diesel and electric are in most places....

[@4192362]

its a heritage railway you clown

[@4192362]

we took steam off the main lines over 50 years ago