Davexoc

Just come across this one...... May have appeared before, but how can you rely on a prediction? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-50688515

I know some locos had the field diverts come in (normally three stages) at fixed speeds on the way up, and drop out again as the speed decreases. Was part of a C exam and above to test them IIRC, and I wonder how new wheels and old wheels affect performance even if the wear compensation is correct. Some of the class 47s were controlled by the load regulator though, so would bring them in depending on engine load and not road speed. To stick in though I'm thinking welded contacts somewhere, similar to something that did happen on 47s occasionally, where when you pulled the BIS handle up, the resulting load would literally blow the switch apart in a big blue flash (and kill any dodgy battery cells in the process). Back to 31s though, I wonder if the middle carry axle springing went out much between works visits, as if it took too much load it would unsettle the drivers either side it. Could partly explain lack of traction.

To answer your remaining questions; Yes the paint marks are to detect shifting tyres. I'm sure it used to be the rule that on coaching stock they were marked on the inner faces, so as not to alarm the passengers if they did creep. That BSO is 9620 And a loco at each end is used for quick turn arounds, locations without run round loops, and trains that reverse frequently, to name a few reasons... Dave

Yes that is Lincoln, this reverse angle taken from up on the multi-storey car park shows the signalling, although the crossing gates are somewhat different....

It was the very early 80s by the time they wore blue/grey. Can't say a definite year..... Dave

You've got to look at traction motor horsepower as well, and not just engine horsepower. As a 31 only has 4, so it gives away roughly 33% when compared to the 37 straightaway. It actually has the same traction motors as the class 46s, they were 2500 engine horsepower. There are then the other differences, like wheel diameter, gearing, field diversion settings, etc. They were well suited to ECS OC - Padd, and were staple Acton - Chinnor on coal for the cement works for years....

That is the HST shed from across the other side of the GWML, not the loco servicing shed, so it is a long walk off to the right. Looks like one power car with a sick engine (judging by the deposits running down the side), the other may have hit something and needs a new front valance....

Trying to figure out where those 115s are, single line says to me between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough, but I don't recognise the partially demolished building....???

All the 82 ones were 'M'

You've got me wondering what my 4 rakes are worth with comments like that..... They tried transition era stuff early on and found take-up slow and/or poor. The Type B tanks eventually made it though...

According to RTT it left 10 late and arrived 69 early. Also says it was planned for 124mph max........

A bit more info on workings; July 92, Humberside to Bedworth 6M61 01.30 SO, and 05.19 TThO Sept 92 Robeston to Bedworth 6Z18 20.00 SuO If you can find a WTT for 92, that would give you the route.

At least its not Beige! I like the trail left by the open hopper door, stopping off at two more locations, with another pile further out in the yard by the look of it....

As the site ceased to operate nigh on 2 years ago I couldn't be sure, but would have thought via Leicester and Nuneaton. Bit of info here, but not route taken... https://www.flickr.com/photos/therailwayjournal/30491315863

Soon to enter into history, in that livery anyway... Chelmscote