6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' has MEGA STEAM with 'The York Yuletide Express' at Harpenden - 27/11/21

Deputising for a poorly 'Tornado', LMS Princess Coronation Class Pacific No. 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' would take The Railway Touring Company's 'The York Yuletide Express' from Ealing Broadway to York via the Midland Mainline. Contrary to standard practice, the train was to be routed in both directions via Leicester as opposed to via Corby and Melton Mowbray, this was as a result of "pathing issues". Passenger pickups would take place at Ealing, St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering. Water would be taken at Humberstone Road - north of Leicester - and Barrow Hill on the outward run and Kettering on the return. At Barrow Hill, 6233 would come off the train and be turned and serviced at the nearby roundhouse, with the Class 47 from the rear of the train taking over for the remainder of the journey to York.

A new location today! We see the tour at Ayres End, around 3 miles north of St. Albans and on the southern edge of Harpenden. The line here reaches the highpoint of the St. Pancras to Bedford stretch of the MML at 379ft. This is preceded by the 1-in-176 climb away from St. Albans station. The early stages of Storm Arwen were trying their best to hamper proceedings; some threatening clouds and strong gusts of wind were present whilst waiting for the Duchess, fortunately two thick hedgerows prevented much of the wind from reaching us, however, the temperature of 2½°C was a little bitter!

After seeing an EMR Class 222 Meridian rushing towards the Capital, 'Duchess of Sutherland''s impressive exhaust appears above the barren foliage next the lineside. 6233 crests the summit of the climb from St. Albans and begins the gentle descent towards Harpenden station. Steam still flowing from the double chimney, the Duchess takes the 12 coach train north at 54.42mph. As the train clanks under Ayres End Lane bridge, the Class 47 at the rear, 47802, can be heard screaming away, evidently being employed to decrease the 6 minute delay incurred at St. Albans station.

In the background can be heard the sole fellow photographer with me this morning. I know the gentleman very well and I was quite sorry for him when I found out his camera wasn't playing ball and he didn't end up with any photos of 6233.

Great to see the 'Big Lizzie' for the first time since Feb. 2020. A slightly lacklustre performance but she certainly looked the part!

Filmed on a Panasonic TZ70.

Enjoy.

Видео 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' has MEGA STEAM with 'The York Yuletide Express' at Harpenden - 27/11/21 канала Milepost 90¼