9 July 2009
Steam Dreams ran from Clapham Junction to Weymouth and back to London Waterloo. The day's events initially focussed on a diesel failure and then a glorious climb, unaided, by 34067 'Tangmere' out of Weymouth.




'Tangmere' is seen nearing Dorchester South. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)




Failed diesel is pushed into Maiden Newton (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)




Maiden Newton. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)




'Tangmere' is seen propelling the failed diesel 37706 into the sidings at Yeovil Pen Mill. The diesel had failed approaching Maiden Newton with a relay failure. (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh)




'Tangmere' is moving off towards Yeovil Junction. (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh)




The out of sorts Class 37. (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh)




Now running quite late, 'Tangmere' arrives at Yeovil Junction.




Straight onto the turntable.




(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)




(Photo courtesy Roland Groom)




Ruston diesel 'Yeo' is called into action to propel the support coach ready for 'Tangmere' to collect.




The support crew give the loco some TLC.




After having to run round its support coach at Yeovil Pen Mill (adding to the delay) steam makes its way towards Weymouth. (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh)




34067 'Tangmere' makes its way back to Weymouth with support coach. Seen at Chetnole. (Photo courtesy Bob Tucker). 'Tangmere' then proceeded to make the steep and long climb out of Weymouth unaided by the usual banker. A South West Trains Class 73 (73235) had been summoned, assisted with shunting and then waited at Weymouth as an insurance in case 'Tangmere' stalled on the bank. However, due to some brilliant enginemanship by the footplate crew and a dry rail the climb was made with a minimum speed of 17mph which will go down in the annals of history. Departure from Weymouth was unfortunately some 1 3/4 hours late but due to some spirited running and a clear road eventual arrival at Waterloo was only a little over an hour behind time.




The loco is now working and has run up the siding to wait a path.
The fault on 37706 was rectified by a qualified member of 50050 group from Yeovil Junction. 37706 went back as 0Z37 19.25 Yeovil PM - Southall FSS, via Castle Cary. It had an eventful day as MPV on 6Z20 Eastleigh - Eastleigh, failed on the up line at Upwey and 37706 waiting on 0Z92 Southall FSS - Weymouth, at Dorchester West was called in to assist, working 6Z20 Upwey - Poole Ss. Then 0Z92 Poole Ss - Weymouth.




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