Sorry to hear that he’s starting to show his age, but I’m glad he still gets enjoyment from certain traction!A post dedicated to our train-mad, loyal protector.
Failing body and dementia are trumping the medication - yet he still enjoys his favourite game: spinning around at passing Electrostars.
Some drivers even toot back at the surreal spectacle.
He's very selective: SWR Desiros and Sheds are ignored. He's been highly unimpressed on strike days, too...
When you've had enough, ol' fella, we'll let ypu sleep eternally and dream of spinning at trains.
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Loco hauled around Havant
- Thread starter Sun Chariot
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
Thanks @pompeyfan 
every month more is a bonus now.
We have no idea what it is about the sound of Electrostars, that does the equivalent of catnip!
every month more is a bonus now.We have no idea what it is about the sound of Electrostars, that does the equivalent of catnip!
Sun Chariot
Established Member
Two for the price of one.
A second pair of Hampshire Hoovers in ten days. After last week's utterly dismal light, for the GBRf pair (on post #148), today sees a marked improvement for another pair, on their way to join the Mid Hants Gala event.
They looked splendid, so I couldn't resist a "mid telephoto" and a "wide" composition. Two big EEs - two sunny shots. Bargain!
I was one of four here. Spot the difference.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154351395@N07/53850667689/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64657021@N07/53850620005/
A second pair of Hampshire Hoovers in ten days. After last week's utterly dismal light, for the GBRf pair (on post #148), today sees a marked improvement for another pair, on their way to join the Mid Hants Gala event.
They looked splendid, so I couldn't resist a "mid telephoto" and a "wide" composition. Two big EEs - two sunny shots. Bargain!
I was one of four here. Spot the difference.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154351395@N07/53850667689/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/64657021@N07/53850620005/
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
Karma chameleon.
As Culture Club sang, "Red, gold and green". Two DB fleet still in EWS garb (the lead loco has no DB branding whatsoever), top 'n' tail today's civil engineer working from Amberley - first up to Redhill, reversal, then via the Arun Valley and the West Coastway, to Eastleigh.
As Culture Club sang, "Red, gold and green". Two DB fleet still in EWS garb (the lead loco has no DB branding whatsoever), top 'n' tail today's civil engineer working from Amberley - first up to Redhill, reversal, then via the Arun Valley and the West Coastway, to Eastleigh.
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D6130
Established Member
Maybe it's me and my device....but there don't appear to be any photos attached to that post!
Sun Chariot
Established Member
I had an upload wobbly. Try again.
75A
Established Member
Surprised they didn't do the 'run round' @ Horsham.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
I wonder if the Redhill reversal (attached) was for crewing or pathing reasons? Else, yes, quite a long deviation.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
The 'as-required' service, Carlisle New Yard to Marchwood - comprising container spines, a couple of well wagons and two VGA vans - has been deposited at the MoD's reception sidings. A busy 5 minutes, as the loco awaits its Eastleigh path:
First, (not photographed) an immaculate reformed & freshly repainted Juniper (set 426), en route from Bournemouth to Basingstoke.
Then, the "old guard" in its former SWT Metro colours, from Wimbledon Park depot to Bournemouth. Its MSO started life as the DTSO within DEMU 210 002.
Lastly, a Manchester-bound Cross Country ex-Bournemouth.
The Voyager and the 455 were timed to cross at this spot. The lure of an image with three occupied lines. The EMU promptly gained 2 minutes on booked path, as it crossed the River Test barely half a mile away... curses.
First, (not photographed) an immaculate reformed & freshly repainted Juniper (set 426), en route from Bournemouth to Basingstoke.
Then, the "old guard" in its former SWT Metro colours, from Wimbledon Park depot to Bournemouth. Its MSO started life as the DTSO within DEMU 210 002.
Lastly, a Manchester-bound Cross Country ex-Bournemouth.
The Voyager and the 455 were timed to cross at this spot. The lure of an image with three occupied lines. The EMU promptly gained 2 minutes on booked path, as it crossed the River Test barely half a mile away... curses.
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D6130
Established Member
Carlisle New Yard.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
Oh thanks. I tried to find what N.Y. stood for, but failed, so I took a punt!Carlisle New Yard.
Duly amended.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
Last of the summer wine.
Today's Belmond Pullman charter, from London to Sussex's vineyards, passes en route from Pulborough to Fratton for a 90 minutes layover; before heading back to Pulborough.
And, although not "Loco hauled", these passing Electrostars - Portsmouth to Victoria / Brighton to Southampton (and with the Belmond in the distance) - add a splash of colour.
Today's Belmond Pullman charter, from London to Sussex's vineyards, passes en route from Pulborough to Fratton for a 90 minutes layover; before heading back to Pulborough.
And, although not "Loco hauled", these passing Electrostars - Portsmouth to Victoria / Brighton to Southampton (and with the Belmond in the distance) - add a splash of colour.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
The balancing path of the previous day's MoD Marchwood to Southampton Western Docks working.
The pattern - same loco, out then back on consecutive days - seems typical for this "as required" trip.
My intention was to capture this service as it passed Crompton D6515, running light from Swanage to Eastleigh. Live timings seemed good for the two meeting at this spot - however, the Sulzer burbled by thirty seconds before the Shed appeared...
The pattern - same loco, out then back on consecutive days - seems typical for this "as required" trip.
My intention was to capture this service as it passed Crompton D6515, running light from Swanage to Eastleigh. Live timings seemed good for the two meeting at this spot - however, the Sulzer burbled by thirty seconds before the Shed appeared...
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75A
Established Member
The law of you know who, 2 great shots as usual.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
Many thanks @75A That's 3 occasions where trains timed to cross each other at Totton West, failed to do so (posts #134 and #159). Daft hobby, this...
With next week's alleged sunshine, I really must get photos of those semaphores at Bognor Regis and at Littlehampton.
With next week's alleged sunshine, I really must get photos of those semaphores at Bognor Regis and at Littlehampton.
75A
Established Member
Yes please, Bognor's my home town & I spent many a Saturday afternoon in the sidings @ Littlehampton on a Crompton which brought a Football Special to & from Hove.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
I recall your mention of Bognor on another thread
I only moved to the south coast in 2017, so I missed all the good stuff.Cromptons I used to see at Bath Road and Cardiff, with the Pompey turns.
75A
Established Member
At Brighton n the early 80's most of our turns were with 73's.
The only regular Crompton ones I can remember were: Oil Tanks from Chichester (Fawley) to Salfords and back, Stone trains from Chichester (Westbury) to Hove where another Brighton crew took it to Ardingly, then the empties back as far as Havant, the Saturdays only Brighton to Exeter which we worked to and from Salisbury and the Sunday night ECS from Portsmouth Harbour to New Cross Gate (via Hove & the Quarry).
The only regular Crompton ones I can remember were: Oil Tanks from Chichester (Fawley) to Salfords and back, Stone trains from Chichester (Westbury) to Hove where another Brighton crew took it to Ardingly, then the empties back as far as Havant, the Saturdays only Brighton to Exeter which we worked to and from Salisbury and the Sunday night ECS from Portsmouth Harbour to New Cross Gate (via Hove & the Quarry).
Sun Chariot
Established Member
How I wish I could have seen those - oh, for a time machine @75A
Did you take any photos of the '80s scene around you, whilst out on the shifts?
Did you take any photos of the '80s scene around you, whilst out on the shifts?
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75A
Established Member
Regretably no, if only?
Sun Chariot
Established Member
This weekend has seen half a dozen Civil Engineer workings pathed via the Portsmouth Direct Line.
Sunday's solitary service is headed by a distinctive member of GBRf's fleet. This is one of ten ex-DB taken into GBRf stock in 2017. This example began as EWS 66008. Post #29 shows two others: the former 66238 and 66250.
Sunday's solitary service is headed by a distinctive member of GBRf's fleet. This is one of ten ex-DB taken into GBRf stock in 2017. This example began as EWS 66008. Post #29 shows two others: the former 66238 and 66250.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
Two fellow photographers captured post #171's working, on the Portsmouth Direct Line.
www.flickr.com
www.flickr.com
Freight in the National park - 6G11 - 66780
Pictured at Charlton, about 5 miles south of Petersfield, in the South Downs National Park, 66780 in its unique CEMEX livery is seen working the 6G11 Effingham Junction to Eastleigh East yard engineers with 5 FEA's, a rake of discharged Falcons that has contained new ballast and a single FEA at...
www.flickr.com
Sunday engineers on the 'Direct'
Cemex liveried 66780 has charge of engineers train 6G11 1600 Effingham Junction to Eastleigh East Yard and is seen here running down the Portsmouth Direct line soon after passing Shalford Junction. The Redhill line can be seen diverging in the background and the North Downs forms the backdrop.
www.flickr.com
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
With typical gloom snuffing out the only hour of forecasted clear sky, today's Class 5 workings are duller than intended.
A freshly reformed and repainted Juniper from Bournemouth depot, en route to Wimbledon Park - passing a more familiar "SWR face" on a Southampton-bound service.
A Paddington to Eastleigh Works IET almost merges into the drab shades of foliage.
The 802 visit (pathed as "departmental") enables investigation and resolution of structural cracking issues with the IET fleet.
A freshly reformed and repainted Juniper from Bournemouth depot, en route to Wimbledon Park - passing a more familiar "SWR face" on a Southampton-bound service.
A Paddington to Eastleigh Works IET almost merges into the drab shades of foliage.
The 802 visit (pathed as "departmental") enables investigation and resolution of structural cracking issues with the IET fleet.
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Trainguy34
Member
What was the headcode of the IET run, can't seem to find it on RTT.
Sun Chariot
Established Member
5Q82 11:24 North Pole to Paddington - and
5X83 11:43 Paddington to Eastleigh Works
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
Let's do the time warp again.
The sight of elderly O&K-built former Foster Yeoman hoppers with the final Hanson GM - on the West Coastway, for today's Westbury-Crawley aggregates - feels more like 25 years ago, than the summer of 2024.
The condition of those 35 year-old wagons, may explain why today's service is a class 7 (max 45mph), rather than a class 6 (max 60mph) when the usual bogie box wagons are used.
The sight of elderly O&K-built former Foster Yeoman hoppers with the final Hanson GM - on the West Coastway, for today's Westbury-Crawley aggregates - feels more like 25 years ago, than the summer of 2024.
The condition of those 35 year-old wagons, may explain why today's service is a class 7 (max 45mph), rather than a class 6 (max 60mph) when the usual bogie box wagons are used.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
Civil behaviour.
The early morning summer sun just touches the north side of Havant's signal box, as another of this week's route learning circuits between Horsham and Havant (out via Arun Valley / back via Hove) - prepares to cross back and return east.
GBRf's ED in its Civil Engineer's livery takes me back to when their "Dutch" scheme was first unveiled; much improved over their drab all-over dark grey.
There's something I find so satisfying about GBRf's "retro ED" examples. Here's one I posted July '23 - but the two EDs look good together and rekindle my pre-privatisation memories.
The early morning summer sun just touches the north side of Havant's signal box, as another of this week's route learning circuits between Horsham and Havant (out via Arun Valley / back via Hove) - prepares to cross back and return east.
GBRf's ED in its Civil Engineer's livery takes me back to when their "Dutch" scheme was first unveiled; much improved over their drab all-over dark grey.
There's something I find so satisfying about GBRf's "retro ED" examples. Here's one I posted July '23 - but the two EDs look good together and rekindle my pre-privatisation memories.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
The Direct approach.
The second day's route learning path - using the Portsmouth Direct Line - diverges off the West Coastway on its morning trip north to Epsom; then, on its return to Eastleigh, passes the former WW2 "military use only" station Woodcroft Halt, on the route's southern descent from the South Downs.
The reason for Freightliner route learning might be to "sign" drivers, for Civil Engineer workings with hired-in FL haulage.
The scheduled FL workings - aggregates to Chichester and Crawley - use the West Coastway route instead.
The second day's route learning path - using the Portsmouth Direct Line - diverges off the West Coastway on its morning trip north to Epsom; then, on its return to Eastleigh, passes the former WW2 "military use only" station Woodcroft Halt, on the route's southern descent from the South Downs.
The reason for Freightliner route learning might be to "sign" drivers, for Civil Engineer workings with hired-in FL haulage.
The scheduled FL workings - aggregates to Chichester and Crawley - use the West Coastway route instead.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
An uncharacteristic red signal-aspect halts today's Westbury to Crawley aggregates turn at Emsworth. The driver gives an impatient blast on the horn - much to the delight of a young enthusiast.
The signal clears and the GM shakes the awning as its 1900 tonnes load slowly gathers pace, minimising further delay to its booked path.
The following day: no such delays for the same GM, rostered to the same working. Seen here throbbing toward Bosham, a little farther east on the West Coastway.
The signal clears and the GM shakes the awning as its 1900 tonnes load slowly gathers pace, minimising further delay to its booked path.
The following day: no such delays for the same GM, rostered to the same working. Seen here throbbing toward Bosham, a little farther east on the West Coastway.
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Sun Chariot
Established Member
A post dedicated to our train-mad, handsome, caring, loyal protector. 6-July 2013 to 20-August 2024.
Our 11 year old beautiful boy, our big Fluffy Bear, who loved walks beside the Havant to Farlington line, so he could spin round and bark excitedly at passing trains. The direction of train, dictated which way he'd spin! Electrostars favoured - Desiros and Sheds largely ignored.
Cancer and a big stroke have now taken him a different path. Free of suffering. Spinning around, in forever dreams.
Our 11 year old beautiful boy, our big Fluffy Bear, who loved walks beside the Havant to Farlington line, so he could spin round and bark excitedly at passing trains. The direction of train, dictated which way he'd spin! Electrostars favoured - Desiros and Sheds largely ignored.
Cancer and a big stroke have now taken him a different path. Free of suffering. Spinning around, in forever dreams.
