Bittern

[bennynobrain]

I have found out that Bittern leaves York at 16.30 on the 27th. July Anyone know the timetable Anyone know what time reaches Newark approximately and a good place to view

[Octavius]

Modern non stop trains from York to Newark Northgate take around 45 minutes, so I would plump for around 17:00 onwards and wait.

Around Barkston might be a good place, although its fairly open country so anywhere you can see a good stretch of the line is ok for viewing its pass.

http://www.trainspots.co.uk/locpage.php?ts_number=324

[bennynobrain]

Thanks Octavius, helpful
What's it like at South Muskham just North of Newark . Any access close to line ?

[paddywak]

There used to be a Pub called The Great Northern in a little village called Norwell, just off the AI four or five miles north of Newark. Its car park actually backs onto the main line and it was always full of people watching the trains don't know if it's still open but if it is it's an ideal spot to watch on a long fast straight.

[bennynobrain]

Again very helpful Paddywak

[paddywak]

A couple of miles down the staight is a lake I used to fish and the track ran along side the far bank and the stretch of track contained a water pick up trough. Believe me benny an A4 picking up water at 90mph is a sight to see.

[bennynobrain]

Thanks again Looking forward to it

[New Judge]

But you won't see "4464" picking up any water from a trough!

You may, however, be in for a treat. Bittern currently has special dispensation (for one month only) to run up to 90mph. Recently (June 29th) she set a heritage steam speed record by clocking 92.5mph on Mallard’s racing stretch between Grantham and Newark. On the subject of timing, the only other published time apart from the 16:30 York departure is set down at Potters Bar at 20:10. I have not got my mileage figures close to hand, but from memory, York to Kings Cross is about 200m, and Potters Bar about 15 less than that. This means Bittern is timed to cover to 185 miles in 220 minutes, so averaging about 50mph. York to Newark must be about 80 miles, so this would indicate a time at Newark of around 18:10. A bit rough and ready, but the best I can do !

If you're in the vicinity all six surviving A4s will reconvene (after their current stint in the NRM, York, ends) in Grantham's "Up" yard on September 7-8th. This is part of the "Great Gathering" arranged to celebrate the 75th anniversary of “Mallard’s” record breaking run on July 3rd 1938. Also expected to be present is Deltic D9002 “Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry”.

[bennynobrain]

Thank you, New Judge
I will try my luck with the info provided and will make a note of the Grantham date too Many thanks again

[bennynobrain]

Has this been cancelled ?

[bennynobrain]

New Date - 31st August for this steam train