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Could Tornado go for Mallard's speed record?

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70014IronDuke

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Talking of Mallard's record and 90 mph steam has reminded me of the "sprightly" running of the A4s on the Glasgow-Aberdeens from 1962-66. The Scottish Region had a 75 mph limit at the time but speeds of 90+ between Kinnaber Jcn and Stanley Jcn and 80 between Gleneagles and Dunblane were regularly attained.
... :)
Really? 90+ - regularly?
 
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hexagon789

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Really? 90+ - regularly?

Yes, I've seen a log where Forfar to Perth (32.5 miles) was covered in just 27 mins and 32 secs against the booked 32 mins with 94 mph recorded twice.

Certainly on your average run it would be unusual not to hit at least 80-odd mph.
 

gtis

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Thanks for all your comments really interesting I suppose the A1 group wouldn’t want to break there pride and joy
And I wouldn’t want the mallards record broken
Neil
 

70014IronDuke

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Thanks for all your comments really interesting I suppose the A1 group wouldn’t want to break there pride and joy. Neil

I'd bet a good bottle of wine - regardless of what might be said officially - that every member of the A1 group has wondered at some time, and in particular after the 100 mph test run: a) what the top speed of Tornado could be if allowed free rein on the right section of track? and b) whether it could equal, if not beat, Mallard's record?
It's the nature of the beast - they've created an express passenger locomotive - of course they'd love to know it's top speed.
But they are realists (or they are at least led by realists) with experts in engineering, finance and operating who keep their emotions well under the control of their professional heads. That's how they got the A1 built in the first place - it would otherwise have remained a dream.

In some ways, it's down to economics. As someone wrote up-thread, the LNER took a serious risk with the Mallard run in 1938. As it transpired, the fact the loco to all intents and purposes failed (in terms of being able to finish the job) was overlooked because of the glory of the achievement. I'm sure every LNER worker from Top Shed to Aberdeen Ferryhill went to work on that Monday morning feeling extra pride in the job, and the publicity department would have been quick to remind passengers they were travelling on the 'fastest railway in the land' - or words to that effect, even if the top speed of their train was unlikely to be more than 90 mph in the best of cases, and much less for the majority.

Any attempt today, by Tornado or any other loco, would definitely not bring the economic benefit comensurate with the risk: it would be a fantastic operation and great fun, but neither the A1 folk nor Network Rail could seriously benefit from success. It's no longer 1938 and the age of steam is far too long gone. And both could be seriously disadvantaged by failure. So it won't happen, and nobody in a responsible position would even suggest it.
 

colchesterken

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On the subject of streamlining I wish the NRM would get some lottery money and or start an appeal to recon
Hamilton that is a bit of kit I would love to see running around again, While on the job they could do a little bit of sensitive upgrading to the bearings and things to make it tip top
 

156443

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This has been put on Twitter by the official Tornado account

1 of 2 - Today there has been a major bridge strike at Castleton Moor on the Whitby branch. The bridge was hit by a refuse lorry and has been significantly damaged as has the track. The route will likely be closed for several days and means Tornado cannot leave the NYMR by rail.

2 of 2 - Although we're reluctant to move Tornado by road, we don't want to let down the SVR and those wishing to see her this weekend. We are working hard to move Tornado to Bridgnorth before the start of the gala on Friday. An outline plan for road movement is in place.
 

hexagon789

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This has been put on Twitter by the official Tornado account

1 of 2 - Today there has been a major bridge strike at Castleton Moor on the Whitby branch. The bridge was hit by a refuse lorry and has been significantly damaged as has the track. The route will likely be closed for several days and means Tornado cannot leave the NYMR by rail.

2 of 2 - Although we're reluctant to move Tornado by road, we don't want to let down the SVR and those wishing to see her this weekend. We are working hard to move Tornado to Bridgnorth before the start of the gala on Friday. An outline plan for road movement is in place.

Hopefully they get Tornado out in time, and hopefully the NYMR isn't closed for too long. With a serious incident such as a bridge strike though, it's likely to be some time though I fear.
 

matt

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This won't close the NYMR as Castelon Moor is not between Grosmont and Whitby.
 
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Hopefully they get Tornado out in time, and hopefully the NYMR isn't closed for too long. With a serious incident such as a bridge strike though, it's likely to be some time though I fear.
The NYMR is not closed just no rail access from Middlesbrough. The NYMR is closed until the 24th March so should not incur any problems. Depending on how long repairs to the bridge take I would suggest the only inconvenience would be a delay to the Esk Valley run for 'Reptons' NR certificate.
 

bonzawe

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Hopefully they get Tornado out in time, and hopefully the NYMR isn't closed for too long. With a serious incident such as a bridge strike though, it's likely to be some time though I fear.

The bridge strike is on Network Rail, blocking the route back to Middleborough.

A road vehicle has collided with a bridge at Castleton Moor. Network Rail have assessed the bridge and due to the severity of the damage, trains are unable to run between Lealholm and Whitby until the end of service tomorrow.

Apparently NR hope to have the railway reopened on Wednesday
 

hexagon789

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I realise that now, I just had a "moment" where I completely forgot that Whitby is National Rail not NYMR, though the do operate through services to there.

In my defence I'm watching telly and multi-tasking was never my strong suit ;)
 

Macwomble

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Tornado is going to the SVR by road..loco & tender leaving Pickering tomorrow (Wednesday) & support coach the day after.

Apparently the bridge has been moved around 10 inches... I don't know the bridge but I'm assuming it's a steel overbridge.......so it must have been some hit by the bin lorry.
 

hexagon789

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Tornado is going to the SVR by road..loco & tender leaving Pickering tomorrow (Wednesday) & support coach the day after.

Apparently the bridge has been moved around 10 inches... I don't know the bridge but I'm assuming it's a steel overbridge.......so it must have been some hit by the bin lorry.

10 inches is a lot, the lorry must've doing a fair speed. I assume Network Rail will get the costs covered by the council?
 

bearhugger

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There was photos of the damage on a group on Facebook. The bridge looks to have taken a heck of whack. I shall try and locate the photos and put them on here when I get home.
 

hexagon789

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There was photos of the damage on a group on Facebook. The bridge looks to have taken a heck of whack. I shall try and locate the photos and put them on here when I get home.

It would be interesting to see the extent of the damage.
 

Macwomble

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Another photo I picked up.

Looks like someone got their inches & centimeteres mixed up...10cm (4") movement perhaps. Apparently NR reckon to re-open on Friday.
 

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hexagon789

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Another photo I picked up.

Looks like someone got their inches & centimeteres mixed up...10cm (4") movement perhaps. Apparently NR reckon to re-open on Friday.

4 inches is still quite a bit. A Friday re-opening isn't bad going, though I've no idea how bad the overall damage was abd therefore ti what extent the repairs needed were.
 
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