Don't forget about these B1s they only had a tractive effort of 26.880lbs and were classed 5MT so from a standing start with 9 coaches is pretty well done by the driver, back in my day in the 1950s you wouldn't have seen many B1s pulling this many coaches, I reckon they would have also struggled and also many thanks to Graham for this tremendous video.
During the days of the GCR the B1's regularly hauled the 7:15am master cutler service at a max recorded speed of 95mph the master cutler was a 12 coach train so I think this will have been more down to wet rails and maybe a slight gradient start which LNER engines never have been brilliant at
@@steamingaroundbritain In 1943, No. 8303 Impala was comprehensively tested on various LNER lines in Scotland. The B1s proved to be excellent at starting, which was particularly important on the Scottish lines which had many stations on gradients. Despite the use of poor quality wartime coal, these tests demonstrated the B1's free steaming capabilities and fast acceleration.
This is a bit of a puzzler to be honest. 9 coaches is not that much for a B1 (or a Black 5 or Jubilee), they regularly work more on the S&C. And 4-6-0s are normally more sure-footed on starting than Pacifics. The platform looks dry on the opening shots. It's wet for the return journey, but Mayflower pulled away then with no trouble! Gloucester is a pretty flat start. Unless the rail was deceptively greasy, it does seem to suggest either sanders not working/ not used or brakes binding on the coaches (as Graham suggests). Even back in the 1930s the LNER didn't like drivers to use sand at Kings Cross because it got into the pointwork - but there they had a banker. Assistance shouldn't be needed here though normally. B1s did fine against Black 5s and Halls in the 1948 interchange trials, and if worked hard could manage Britannia timings on the Great Eastern section.
Excellent driver. Gives it a little sand and keeps the slipping down to the minimum possible. He knows the damage that can be caused through slipping, including wheels moving on their axles and if this happens then the valve gear can be damaged. Outstanding. A great design by Thompson too.
I've seen some pictures of USA engines that had their tires (sorry, tyres) slip off the wheel due to the heat generated by excessive wheelslip. Incredible stuff, it can do some real damage.
@@anythingoldmechanical Sand is a preventative measure, not a corrective one. It should be applied before the wheels start to slip, not after. Also,sand is kind of a pain. It can jam up switches and cause all kinds of issues. It usually only used as a last resort, at least in the US.
👍Thanks for posting In the days when driver and firemen toiled and worked in harmony with their loco to bring passengers to their destination, I would always walk to the end of the platform to thank them for their efforts even if they were resting or busy preparing to leave. Pointless now with diesels and electrics. Still a skilled job but not the same link between man and machine where one depended on the other.
@@paulrowden1957 Wouldn't be surprised if they're not supposed to use the sanders if they can avoid it. Network Rail can be very touchy about anything that could damage the rails even slightly. And apparently, at least according to Network Rail, almost everything a Steam Locomotive does damages the rails Which always strikes me as odd, considering these engines operated quite happily in their thousands on the railways for over a century, yet in this modern age, a mere handful are so damaging.....
@@davidford85 damaged rails are better than damaging a loco worth alot more than a few rails. Blue Peter showed how this is true. If it was my loco I would be using sanders and doing things properly. An out of control loco is no laughing matter and can be very dangerous
A friend recently passed away was an old steam man,a real engineer in his 80s expressed to me his concern about the overloading of some steam specials.He felt some of these preserved locos were being worked too hard .
They do really seem to work them quite hard! While lovely to see them running, definitely a worry that they're asking too much of them. Rather see them pull less if it means they'll last longer.
@@ElliotSoS Sadly its a matter of cost. You can end up pricing people right off the train. So more seats means less cost per head. I would agree in their working day 9-10 behind a B1 would be rare.
Club member ran a 5” gauge miniature version named Springbok, and it was a good passenger hauler. I with my Simplex had to act as a Banker when he ran out of steam, and the bark from my loco, with two coaches of passengers as he had, was something I will never forget. I also ran out of steam as I forgot to keep feeding the fire🤗😂 The sensation the first time I sat behind mine is something I will never forget.
Excellent video. As others have said it does seem odd to direct the steam from the cylinders forward on to the rails, especailly since it may well be oily steam.
I would like to know what quality of coal they were supplied with. In the daylight sequence they had the blower on hard to increase the draught on the fire, but there was no sign of the engine blowing off at the safety valves. The smoke was pretty black and dirty too. A heavy load on slippery rails with duff coal adds up to a rough trip. All credit to the crew.
Maybe the brakes on the coaches were hanging up a bit? Black smoke can be just the coal is high volatile. Some coal that makes black smoke can be like rocket fuel 😀
@@paulnicholson1906 True, but with respect that does not seem to be the case here. With a hot fire and a heavy train I would expect an engine to be blowing off hard before starting. There isn't so much as a wisp of steam from the safety valves. Also they had the blower on hard the whole time they were stopped, which is done when it is necessary to encourage a dull fire. I would love to know what state the fire was in and what they had on the pressure gauge. In the later shot in the dark the fireman has her nicely on the boil, with plenty of steam and to spare.
Saw Mayflower passing through Brundall Station near Norwich a few months ago, only this time it had a diesel loco at the end helping the poor ‘ol girl along 😎
The 'Bradford' loco. Spent most of its BR days here. Shhh one reason for the 'stinkers on the back' is to give a little push. Great regulator skills. Ive spun a few wheels. Not easy
The slipping isn't down to the 9 coach load. It's a combination of poor rail conditions and power! Being a main line registered steam driver, I've taken 11 with the B1, and diesel on the rear offering no assistance. A lot of drivers don't like to use sand & in many locations at main stations, the lineside electrical equipment prevents use of sand, which will be in the operational notices. If driven properly, all 'should' be fine. The armchair experts don't help either.
So the fire balance was initially about right but wheelslip caused a pause for some more firing and as that came up to heat the second attempt saw the driver ease her solidly away. Sounds like good team work but am only an armchair enthusiast.
This is a brilliant design, the wheel arrangement gives it the opportunity to traverse tighter curves than normal. My 7/1/4 B1 proves this. Brilliant idea, good old lNER.
before we all blame the driver for bad driving, look at the video again, puddles on the platforms, the amount of wheel spin could have been caused by the rail head being damp.
@@welsh_Witch Having run steam I understand the purpose of cylinder cocks though I'm certainly not familiar with British steam. My thought was that, being discharged toward the front of the locomotive, the steam coats the rail with a thin layer of water exacerbating the problem of wet (or oily) rail. Traction = weight on drivers + sand. A discerning hand on the throttle and a feel for the rail is vital to getting a heavy train started in poor rail conditions. Sometimes even the best engineer cannot get a train started without help depending on the grade, weight of the train, and rail conditions without help from another engine or lightening up the train.
@@welsh_Witch I am not suggesting the elimination of cylinder clocks just redirecting the steam exhaust to the field side of the rail instead of forward on top of the rail where traction is needed to start the train. BTW, being a colonial and unfamiliar with British steam do you guys use sand to assist in gaining traction?
@@martinthatsall1518 I think that's what he was saying. "Armchair" refers to rail enthusiasts who think they know everything about steam locomotives but in truth don't actually know what they're talking about. Harry's comment pretty much translates to "Shut up, foamers. You wouldn't have handled this situation any better."
From what I understand he either wasn't allowed to, or was unable to use sand. I have also noticed the excursions always put extra cars on to maximize the income. (thy kind of need to i guess). So in these conditions the engine is essentially overloaded. Its too bad those conditions have to happen.
I love steam trains but my experience under steam was on ships, could I probably figure it out, probably, after a while, and it wouldn't look very professional, but hey I wouldn't have to worry about condenser vacuum or condensate pump speeds so might not do a totally sh!t job, just a mostly sh!t one.....
That is one looooonng train she's got to move! A good driver, and, by gum, she makes it! I can't tell, but I get the impression that a slight grade is involved here.
With greasy rail and no sand laid down on arrival, this was a good effort but I doubt a black 5 (LMS equivalent to a B1) would have made such a meal of it. Even so, good footage, thanks for posting.
Great shame that 61379. the real Mayflower was cut up and the name plates stuck on 61306 . It belittled the fact there was a ceremony when the real Mayflower was named by dignatories from the two Boston's Uk and Usa. with the Pilgrim Father's connection.
I get irritated by unjust and inaccurate comments. The locomotive was not struggling. The crew was. They were working hard to avoid hydraulic locking and losing a cylinder cover or bending rods. They were also cutting down wheel-slip and wear and tear. And rail-burn. They were doing a good job, despite not doing 60hrs a week on steam, indefinitely. We don’t know if there were dragging brakes, but the rails looked almost as wet as the silly journalist who probably wasn’t even born before 1968. I counted 9 on. Must be at least 300 tons. A B1 or a Schools could and Mayflower certainly DID handle it beautifully. With minimal slipping. And accelerated away very deliberately. So There…!
Thank you for writing this. May I ask you to explain what Hydraulic locking is and the risks of losing a cylinder cover as well as bending the loco's rods.
@@scootergrant8683 Hi, I just did, but I don’t know if you’ve got the reply. As a PS, I have to say that locomotives are very resilient and drivers are responsible. A preserved Pacific had a cylinder break, and I believe an Ivatt mogul did, too. When steam locomotives were the norm, they were probably abused more, in terms of being overloaded and over driven, because the users didn’t pay for the damage, as it were. The volunteers and enthusiasts, although less practiced, are doubtless more conscientious about unnecessary abuse.
@@scootergrant8683 REPLY. The reason for all the steam hissing out from the drain-cocks, attached to the ends of the cylinders, is to bleed off a trickle of steam, and any condensate, that is water that will invariably collect in the cylinders. I believe the cocks are left open, when the locomotive is standing, to allow any leakage of steam, from the regulator, even if closed, to pass through the steam chest, and cylinders, to keep them hot. Steam is elastic, water and lubricants are not. There is a period during the power-stroke, when the inlet valve is closed, and although unlikely, if the engine slips violently, and water gets carried ‘over the top’ into the steam circuit, it really can cause the cover to ‘burst’ off, or seriously damage the bits I mentioned. I loved watching Bulleid’s Pacifics slipping, but it’s not good for them, and I was told that it can cause the rail to break. A diver from Nine Elms was sacked for letting a Merchant Navy slip continuously, whist stationary for several minutes, and it broke the rails where it was standing.
One of the downsides to steel wheels on steel rails, low friction. Of course it's also one of the main advantages to railways, the low friction allows bigger loads to be pulled, provided of course that you can get it moving in the first place.....
@@davidford85 And if the route allows (gradients and what not). I think roads do win out when it comes to ascending slopes, sure lorries may not be as fast, but at least they climb hills better then trains do.
Someone told the driver, put the sanders on, shut the taps,wind the wheel forward, and open the regulator with more than a breath of steam. The driver hasn't had ten years or more as a fireman.
Always suspected a little bit of a hump to give as much clearance as possible under the low bridge on the road that goes pass Tesco’s. Now we know ! Would not have happened with a Hall I think although the steam sanders should give the B1 an advantage.
I’m not an expert but it appears the steam release is done to reduce torque on the drivers. Much like starting out in a higher gear in a car or truck in snow.
Not a bad idea, but no, that's not why steam is released. The steam is coming from the cylinder draincocks and it's to release any water (condensate) that may have collected in the cylinders while the loco rested. Water can't be compressed and any solid water in the cylinders can cause damage to pistons and motion.
Hello Graham Edgeworth, if you don't mind me asking, but could I have permission to use your video's audio as sound effects? Credit will go to you of course.
As you may observe by the dry platform the weather wasn’t too bad. I feel that the only people to really know what’s going on would be the men on the footplate. Thanks for your comment though.
Seems to be a Trend with these Specials far too many coaches for the Loco, but they are expensive to put on so Bums on seats are vital, well done driver.
The load would be well within the limit for the locomotive otherwise NR would not let it run due to possible timing issues ect. Also it should be noted that it can be harder to start a train on a curve than on a straight section of track.
@@maghost_rider5698pabilities NR would have that info would they, what would they know of the Locos traction capabilities a Loco of that rating would not normally haul so many
Six points of contact, supporting around fifteen tons each (I guess), versus nine coaches at twenty tons apiece (I guess), and which don't want to go anywhere. An unequal struggle. Steam trains will never catch on.
She slipped up until the 5 min mark and then he opened the sanders at 5:05 (steam in front of the two leading driving axles) and kept them open and away she went no fuss.
I mean they more than likely had to restore this locomotive and not to mention I bet the maintenance cost is higher. I love steam but there is a reason why Diesel electric, and electric have replaced it.
It is a charter train rather than a scheduled service. I am guessing this movement was in the morning so the train would have been positioning itself for the pick-up by running empty from HQ to the pick-up point. Airlines do the same thing when they fly empty to be in the right place for the next day’s service, especially if the previous day has not gone to plan.
UK no longer is supplied with good steam coal which is required for heavy steam propelled trains. Should reduce the number of coaches...give these lovely locos some slack.
Stupid question, I noticed that the cylinder drain cocks open everytime the wheels slip... Is this how the driver controls the slip because too much pressure is being exerted on the piston, causing the slip in the first place, so he relieves it this way? I thought he just reduced the regulator instead, enough to control the slip?
Not being a railway buff, I may be asking a silly question, but would not condensed steam in front of the bogies, wet the tracks and make things more difficult ?
Very good, it without the desel locomotive. It very hard to driving control when use only the steam locomotive pulling heavy load, because it easy wheelslip.
Hi folks, maybe someone knows better but I'm not too sure about the cylinder steam cocks being open for too long causing the slip problem (see below). As well as getting rid of any condensed steam in the cylinders and also helping to rewarm them - the primary purpose as water does not compress and could break the cylinders - having them open must also, along with the regulator, reduce the tractive force being applied to those slippery rails. May have been done deliberately by a highly skilled driver. Just a thought.
Look I'm no scientist, but who designed the steam releasing forward? You are coating the metal rails with hot water, do you really expect no wheel slip?
Most people Do Not realize how much torque a steam locomotive has, just a whisker too much throttle with this loco it was spinning the wheels plus on a curve and with carriages behind it.
61379 was indeed the original Mayflower, but is was scraped off by BR. In due course 61306 was given that name in preservation. Some people did call the B1 class 'Mayflowers', but to me, and my fellow 'spotters' they were an inferior make-shift locos of no comparison to the V2 class, that we much preferred to 'spot' and watch. On here I cannot say what we actually called a B1 when a dirty grubby one puffed by!
@@welsh_Witch Yes, some people did call them Bongos. I can recall seeing that particular locomotive in addition to it's stablemate Kudu, on the former GCR. But trust me, we never called any B1 by any of the named members of the class. Although I have no love for the B1 class, I do appreciate that two have been preserved, if only to remind me how little I thought of them when they were on BR duty.
61379 was named Mayflower to honour the famous ship that carried the Pilgrim fathers to America . At the naming ceremony officials from the Usa and Boston Uk were in attendance. Also the driver that day was a Boston man . So what 61306 is doing with the Mayflower plates is to say the least strange .
It is an important part of the process, make sure that there is no condensate in the cylinders or valves. I had a funny story about this, many years ago, I went all the way to the Mid Hants to see A4 Union of South Africa, with a little lad. We got a good position on the platform to see a departure, and at the last moment, a camera equipped gricer stepped in front of little lad and assumed the position. The engine's valves were opened and the cloud of steam destroyed his camera. I didn't laugh. And I did tell little lad that he shouldn't have either. In a former life, one of my occasional tasks was to try to control 'enthusiasts' on platforms when specials went through, the majority were great people who would listen to advice, but there would always be one who would claim to know more than the professionals who would insist on standing in the least sensible places. What we wanted was for everyone to get a good view, and some memorable photos and video, but above all else, we were there for safety.
Apart from warming the cylinders to avoid excess condensation, opening the cylinder cocks reduces the torque by releasing cylinder pressure. A bit like lifting your foot from the accelerator to keep your car wheels from spinning. You should hear a Caprotti gear loco with its cylinder cocks open - sounds like a Bofors gun going off!
I know 'why' it is done. I just don't think wetting the rails in front of the locomotive is wise. There are lots of locomotives that vent condensate out the side.
@@thomabb If having the cylinder drain cocks vent sideways had any significant benefit, they wouldn't still have been venting forwards afte over a hundred years of steam locomotive design and development.
Great video Graham, as for the 'armchair experts', not quite so much... although their comments make for hilarious reading. Clearly people who have no idea what they are talking about, apart from the mainline steam driver who has driven the B1. 🙄
nigel hammond cylinder drains are helping. Otherwise water builds up in the cylinders and damages the pistons. I drive miniature locomotives too, you don’t need them as much in miniature.
The cylinder drains have very little to do with the situation. The problem is the wet rails and the lack of grip. In fact if anything, the drains being closed would make it worse as there would be more torque being applied to the wheels. Think of it this way, in a car on a slippery road, you move off in a higher gear to reduce the torque and to reduce any wheel spin.
It's better to keep the cylinder drains open or open them up straight away when you have a slip to get rid of any steam left in the cylinders avoiding more slippage
Don't forget about these B1s they only had a tractive effort of 26.880lbs and were classed 5MT so from a standing start with 9 coaches is pretty well done by the driver, back in my day in the 1950s you wouldn't have seen many B1s pulling this many coaches, I reckon they would have also struggled and also many thanks to Graham for this tremendous video.
During the days of the GCR the B1's regularly hauled the 7:15am master cutler service at a max recorded speed of 95mph the master cutler was a 12 coach train so I think this will have been more down to wet rails and maybe a slight gradient start which LNER engines never have been brilliant at
@@steamingaroundbritain In 1943, No. 8303 Impala was comprehensively tested on various LNER lines in Scotland. The B1s proved to be excellent at starting, which was particularly important on the Scottish lines which had many stations on gradients. Despite the use of poor quality wartime coal, these tests demonstrated the B1's free steaming capabilities and fast acceleration.
@@steamingaroundbritain Absolutely correct ! Kept to A3 timings
This is a bit of a puzzler to be honest. 9 coaches is not that much for a B1 (or a Black 5 or Jubilee), they regularly work more on the S&C. And 4-6-0s are normally more sure-footed on starting than Pacifics. The platform looks dry on the opening shots. It's wet for the return journey, but Mayflower pulled away then with no trouble! Gloucester is a pretty flat start. Unless the rail was deceptively greasy, it does seem to suggest either sanders not working/ not used or brakes binding on the coaches (as Graham suggests). Even back in the 1930s the LNER didn't like drivers to use sand at Kings Cross because it got into the pointwork - but there they had a banker. Assistance shouldn't be needed here though normally. B1s did fine against Black 5s and Halls in the 1948 interchange trials, and if worked hard could manage Britannia timings on the Great Eastern section.
Give me an A4 or a P2 anytime
Excellent driver. Gives it a little sand and keeps the slipping down to the minimum possible. He knows the damage that can be caused through slipping, including wheels moving on their axles and if this happens then the valve gear can be damaged. Outstanding.
A great design by Thompson too.
A very attractively designed loco with a commodious cab for the crew.
Not to mention if the slip is severe enough, the drivers have to be turned
I've seen some pictures of USA engines that had their tires (sorry, tyres) slip off the wheel due to the heat generated by excessive wheelslip. Incredible stuff, it can do some real damage.
Where was the sand?
I didn't see any being applied..
@@anythingoldmechanical Sand is a preventative measure, not a corrective one. It should be applied before the wheels start to slip, not after. Also,sand is kind of a pain. It can jam up switches and cause all kinds of issues. It usually only used as a last resort, at least in the US.
👍Thanks for posting
In the days when driver and firemen toiled and worked in harmony with their loco to bring passengers to their destination, I would always walk to the end of the platform to thank them for their efforts even if they were resting or busy preparing to leave.
Pointless now with diesels and electrics. Still a skilled job but not the same link between man and machine where one depended on the other.
heroic driving in difficult rail conditions, good balance achieved and away she goes.
Sanders none of this would have occurred if they had been used
@@paulrowden1957 Wouldn't be surprised if they're not supposed to use the sanders if they can avoid it. Network Rail can be very touchy about anything that could damage the rails even slightly. And apparently, at least according to Network Rail, almost everything a Steam Locomotive does damages the rails
Which always strikes me as odd, considering these engines operated quite happily in their thousands on the railways for over a century, yet in this modern age, a mere handful are so damaging.....
@@davidford85 people are so opposed these days to history
@@davidford85 damaged rails are better than damaging a loco worth alot more than a few rails. Blue Peter showed how this is true. If it was my loco I would be using sanders and doing things properly. An out of control loco is no laughing matter and can be very dangerous
@@mattseymour8637 /
Hats off to anyone who can drive one!
Someone gave me a hats off
A friend recently passed away was an old steam man,a real engineer in his 80s expressed to me his concern about the overloading of some steam specials.He felt some of these preserved locos were being worked too hard .
They do really seem to work them quite hard! While lovely to see them running, definitely a worry that they're asking too much of them. Rather see them pull less if it means they'll last longer.
@@ElliotSoS
Sadly its a matter of cost. You can end up pricing people right off the train. So more seats means less cost per head. I would agree in their working day 9-10 behind a B1 would be rare.
I agree. Jubilees seem to take two or three coaches more than pre 1968.
I grew up hearing wheel slip at the bottom of the Lickey bank in Bromsgrove as the trains started the climb that brought back memories.
You must have seen some fantastic sights of steam making its way up the bank, envious. Thanks for the comment.
That’s a very beautiful locomotive
Club member ran a 5” gauge miniature version named Springbok, and it was a good passenger hauler.
I with my Simplex had to act as a Banker when he ran out of steam, and the bark from my loco, with two coaches of passengers as he had, was something I will never forget.
I also ran out of steam as I forgot to keep feeding the fire🤗😂
The sensation the first time I sat behind mine is something I will never forget.
Excellent video. As others have said it does seem odd to direct the steam from the cylinders forward on to the rails, especailly since it may well be oily steam.
Yes, I don't get that too?
if they don't empty the cylinders of water then they fucking detonate
I would like to know what quality of coal they were supplied with. In the daylight sequence they had the blower on hard to increase the draught on the fire, but there was no sign of the engine blowing off at the safety valves. The smoke was pretty black and dirty too. A heavy load on slippery rails with duff coal adds up to a rough trip. All credit to the crew.
Maybe the brakes on the coaches were hanging up a bit? Black smoke can be just the coal is high volatile. Some coal that makes black smoke can be like rocket fuel 😀
@@paulnicholson1906 True, but with respect that does not seem to be the case here. With a hot fire and a heavy train I would expect an engine to be blowing off hard before starting. There isn't so much as a wisp of steam from the safety valves. Also they had the blower on hard the whole time they were stopped, which is done when it is necessary to encourage a dull fire. I would love to know what state the fire was in and what they had on the pressure gauge. In the later shot in the dark the fireman has her nicely on the boil, with plenty of steam and to spare.
I don't like to see any steamy struggling with so much wheelslip. But commiserations to Mayflower for all her efforts.
And of course you know all the circumstances.
BEAUTIFUL piece of "rolling artwork". I have always been an "agrique ferro amantis" so love all such machines as this one.
Something about an LNER steam engine and a Jacksonville Jaguars container seems off.
Well done. Thank you for taking time to share.
The film of the loco in the dark is so atmospheric, really shows the presence of a steam loco.
Saw Mayflower passing through Brundall Station near Norwich a few months ago, only this time it had a diesel loco at the end helping the poor ‘ol girl along 😎
That, my friends, is a LOT of train for a 4-6-0. WOW !
What a show. 9 heavy Pullmans to carry
Beautifully done Tick VG
Driver is really good on that clutch pedal !!!!!😂😂😂😂😂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂😀😀🍺🍺🍺🍺
What an absolute beauty of a loco
The 'Bradford' loco. Spent most of its BR days here. Shhh one reason for the 'stinkers on the back' is to give a little push. Great regulator skills. Ive spun a few wheels. Not easy
Steam trains at night still quite magical even within contemporary settings....
Sad to think that there is only two of these Glasgow built beauties preserved.
This is my favorite class of British steam locomotive. I wish more survived.
Just love the hissing and puffing and chuff chuff chuff of steam locomotives. You don't get to see this anymore. The wheel slip was awesome.!!
Thanks for your comment.
Really cool video mate looks awesome great job don 🤠🇬🇧👌👌👌👌👌
Slippery rails and fairly tight curve didn't help. As commented in an earlier post, this was a heavy train for this loco.
Thompson knew how to build a mixed traffic locomotive.
I think that was bloody good driving.
The slipping isn't down to the 9 coach load. It's a combination of poor rail conditions and power! Being a main line registered steam driver, I've taken 11 with the B1, and diesel on the rear offering no assistance. A lot of drivers don't like to use sand & in many locations at main stations, the lineside electrical equipment prevents use of sand, which will be in the operational notices. If driven properly, all 'should' be fine. The armchair experts don't help either.
Why was there a diesel on the back if it wasn't providing any assistance? Was it there to supply electricity to the coaches?
@@InventorZahran Exactly that, and for shunting purposes.
So the fire balance was initially about right but wheelslip caused a pause for some more firing and as that came up to heat the second attempt saw the driver ease her solidly away. Sounds like good team work but am only an armchair enthusiast.
I never get wheelslip in my armchair.
This is a brilliant design, the wheel arrangement gives it the opportunity to traverse tighter curves than normal. My 7/1/4 B1 proves this. Brilliant idea, good old lNER.
Good ol' Thompson...
Interesting way to clean the tracks. High pressure steam. I wonder if Mayflower has sanders to help in cases like this.
What an awesome machine!!!!
before we all blame the driver for bad driving, look at the video again, puddles on the platforms, the amount of wheel spin could have been caused by the rail head being damp.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I noticed that the cylinder clocks exhaust forward insuring damp rail for an already heavy train.
@@MrJiJi1227 those are the reason condensation doesnt ruin the cylinders
@@welsh_Witch Having run steam I understand the purpose of cylinder cocks though I'm certainly not familiar with British steam. My thought was that, being discharged toward the front of the locomotive, the steam coats the rail with a thin layer of water exacerbating the problem of wet (or oily) rail. Traction = weight on drivers + sand. A discerning hand on the throttle and a feel for the rail is vital to getting a heavy train started in poor rail conditions. Sometimes even the best engineer cannot get a train started without help depending on the grade, weight of the train, and rail conditions without help from another engine or lightening up the train.
@@stevenkay5579 well if ya cylinders fucking implode you ain't going anywhere
@@welsh_Witch
I am not suggesting the elimination of cylinder clocks just redirecting the steam exhaust to the field side of the rail instead of forward on top of the rail where traction is needed to start the train.
BTW, being a colonial and unfamiliar with British steam do you guys use sand to assist in gaining traction?
Lot of armchair experts here. Id like to see them behind to controls. Doubt they’d be better
@@martinthatsall1518 I think that's what he was saying. "Armchair" refers to rail enthusiasts who think they know everything about steam locomotives but in truth don't actually know what they're talking about. Harry's comment pretty much translates to "Shut up, foamers. You wouldn't have handled this situation any better."
david whiting That’s exactly what it translates to
From what I understand he either wasn't allowed to, or was unable to use sand. I have also noticed the excursions always put extra cars on to maximize the income. (thy kind of need to i guess). So in these conditions the engine is essentially overloaded. Its too bad those conditions have to happen.
I love steam trains but my experience under steam was on ships, could I probably figure it out, probably, after a while, and it wouldn't look very professional, but hey I wouldn't have to worry about condenser vacuum or condensate pump speeds so might not do a totally sh!t job, just a mostly sh!t one.....
@@wishusknight3009 you're right, the profit is in the last carriage :)
That is one looooonng train she's got to move! A good driver, and, by gum, she makes it! I can't tell, but I get the impression that a slight grade is involved here.
Great driving skill of a heavy train on an incline!
Who put grease on the tracks !!!!😅
With greasy rail and no sand laid down on arrival, this was a good effort but I doubt a black 5 (LMS equivalent to a B1) would have made such a meal of it. Even so, good footage, thanks for posting.
The loco is as good as the crew.
@@patrickporter6536 armchair alert
And exactly how would a Black 5 have magically managed to find more adhesion?
Great shame that 61379. the real Mayflower was cut up and the name plates stuck on 61306 . It belittled the fact there was a ceremony when the real Mayflower was named by dignatories from the two Boston's Uk and Usa. with the Pilgrim Father's connection.
I get irritated by unjust and inaccurate comments. The locomotive was not struggling. The crew was. They were working hard to avoid hydraulic locking and losing a cylinder cover or bending rods. They were also cutting down wheel-slip and wear and tear. And rail-burn. They were doing a good job, despite not doing 60hrs a week on steam, indefinitely. We don’t know if there were dragging brakes, but the rails looked almost as wet as the silly journalist who probably wasn’t even born before 1968. I counted 9 on. Must be at least 300 tons. A B1 or a Schools could and Mayflower certainly DID handle it beautifully. With minimal slipping. And accelerated away very deliberately. So There…!
Thank you for writing this. May I ask you to explain what Hydraulic locking is and the risks of losing a cylinder cover as well as bending the loco's rods.
@@scootergrant8683 Hi, I just did, but I don’t know if you’ve got the reply. As a PS, I have to say that locomotives are very resilient and drivers are responsible. A preserved Pacific had a cylinder break, and I believe an Ivatt mogul did, too. When steam locomotives were the norm, they were probably abused more, in terms of being overloaded and over driven, because the users didn’t pay for the damage, as it were. The volunteers and enthusiasts, although less practiced, are doubtless more conscientious about unnecessary abuse.
@@scootergrant8683 REPLY. The reason for all the steam hissing out from the drain-cocks, attached to the ends of the cylinders, is to bleed off a trickle of steam, and any condensate, that is water that will invariably collect in the cylinders.
I believe the cocks are left open, when the locomotive is standing, to allow any leakage of steam, from the regulator, even if closed, to pass through the steam chest, and cylinders, to keep them hot. Steam is elastic, water and lubricants are not. There is a period during the power-stroke, when the inlet valve is closed, and although unlikely, if the engine slips violently, and water gets carried ‘over the top’ into the steam circuit, it really can cause the cover to ‘burst’ off, or seriously damage the bits I mentioned. I loved watching Bulleid’s Pacifics slipping, but it’s not good for them, and I was told that it can cause the rail to break. A diver from Nine Elms was sacked for letting a Merchant Navy slip continuously, whist stationary for several minutes, and it broke the rails where it was standing.
I don't know what was going on with the poor adhesion , but let's face it , it keeps the armchair experts on good form . They allus know best ! NOT !
One of the downsides to steel wheels on steel rails, low friction. Of course it's also one of the main advantages to railways, the low friction allows bigger loads to be pulled, provided of course that you can get it moving in the first place.....
@@davidford85 And if the route allows (gradients and what not).
I think roads do win out when it comes to ascending slopes, sure lorries may not be as fast, but at least they climb hills better then trains do.
What happened at around the 5.20 mark when they suddenly seemed to find a lot more grip?
Driver suddenly realised that applying some sand to the rail would be a good idea. You can see the jets of steam at the bottom of the driving wheels.
Someone told the driver, put the sanders on, shut the taps,wind the wheel forward, and open the regulator with more than a breath of steam. The driver hasn't had ten years or more as a fireman.
Always suspected a little bit of a hump to give as much clearance as possible under the low bridge on the road that goes pass Tesco’s. Now we know ! Would not have happened with a Hall I think although the steam sanders should give the B1 an advantage.
I’m not an expert but it appears the steam release is done to reduce torque on the drivers. Much like starting out in a higher gear in a car or truck in snow.
Not a bad idea, but no, that's not why steam is released. The steam is coming from the cylinder draincocks and it's to release any water (condensate) that may have collected in the cylinders while the loco rested. Water can't be compressed and any solid water in the cylinders can cause damage to pistons and motion.
Why do they even have the small wheels in the front, they ofload the drivewheels, reducing the traction.
As you said on our recent trip to E Germany, a great video. My first from Oschatz is now at my channel whitemoorkid
Hello Graham Edgeworth, if you don't mind me asking, but could I have permission to use your video's audio as sound effects? Credit will go to you of course.
Happy for you to use video sound effect. Please send a link to any work you do with it. It would be interesting. Thank you for asking.
I guess the closest thing you find on Western Region Steam would have been a county class?
B1 were 5MT under BR the county class by Hawkworth was 6MT Halls were 5MT..
Halls were probably a nearer equivalent.
Despite the war Thompson out did himself with these beasts
Only good thing he done
I'm a train and I approve this video! Choo choo!
What was the weather like on the day this was taken? If there was any wet on the track, a B1 might have trouble pulling away from the station!!
As you may observe by the dry platform the weather wasn’t too bad. I feel that the only people to really know what’s going on would be the men on the footplate. Thanks for your comment though.
No sand and it was slipping. As soon as sand was applied it stopped and away she went.
you can edit this video to point the "Location"
Amazing video
Prachtige treinstam. Dat doen de Britten goed.
Seems to be a Trend with these Specials far too many coaches for the Loco, but they are expensive to put on so Bums on seats are vital, well done driver.
The load would be well within the limit for the locomotive otherwise NR would not let it run due to possible timing issues ect. Also it should be noted that it can be harder to start a train on a curve than on a straight section of track.
@@maghost_rider5698pabilities NR would have that info would they, what would they know of the Locos traction capabilities a Loco of that rating would not normally haul so many
Great video bit of think it was overloaded
Six points of contact, supporting around fifteen tons each (I guess), versus nine coaches at twenty tons apiece (I guess), and which don't want to go anywhere. An unequal struggle. Steam trains will never catch on.
Didn’t even have a class 47 on the back to give a little help. Thanks for your comment Thruns.
She slipped up until the 5 min mark and then he opened the sanders at 5:05 (steam in front of the two leading driving axles) and kept them open and away she went no fuss.
Oh come on: Wheelslip happened all the time with steam
So nice videos
Grand old lady magnificent a steam giant! built not bought and stood the test of time! unlike the rubbish they produce now!!
I mean they more than likely had to restore this locomotive and not to mention I bet the maintenance cost is higher. I love steam but there is a reason why Diesel electric, and electric have replaced it.
Not unusual once saw jubilee leander do exactly the same leaving edale after stopping to take on water.
Is there some reason why the driver never turned on his sanders?
Probably policy to not for some reason. Or they were inoperable.
Why was the locomotive pulling so many empty carriages ? What was the point of that?
It is a charter train rather than a scheduled service. I am guessing this movement was in the morning so the train would have been positioning itself for the pick-up by running empty from HQ to the pick-up point. Airlines do the same thing when they fly empty to be in the right place for the next day’s service, especially if the previous day has not gone to plan.
You can always rely on the comments online. Never was so much rubbish talked by so many.....
Some consider a different opinion as rubbish though.
@M present company excluded as usual
What is the difference between you and a stopped clock. At least a stopped clock is right twice a day.
@M im not the fat Controller.
@M but I have been through the desert on a horse with no name.
The B1 was the work horse of the old central line.....
And this B1 was the last to work on part of the central line before it closed
That is a lovely looking “bongo”, if I do say so myself.
UK no longer is supplied with good steam coal which is required for heavy steam propelled trains. Should reduce the number of coaches...give these lovely locos some slack.
They could reduce the number of coaches, but, profit will be lost, who pays all the bills for everything that day, catch 22
Armchair alert
well the enthusiasts could tell the government to fuck right off and keep burning local coal!
Stupid question, I noticed that the cylinder drain cocks open everytime the wheels slip... Is this how the driver controls the slip because too much pressure is being exerted on the piston, causing the slip in the first place, so he relieves it this way? I thought he just reduced the regulator instead, enough to control the slip?
Interesting thought.
@@grahamedgeworth7284 I have no idea which it is 😶 there's no need for the cocks to be open for that long aside from the slipping
Not being a railway buff, I may be asking a silly question, but would not condensed steam in front of the bogies, wet the tracks and make things more difficult ?
Hmm, interesting.
What caused/are the differences between her sure starts at 5:15 and 9:25 and struggles post 2:40?
Re. the first three minutes of struggle vs the 5:15 getaway: only one difference. Sand being applied.
No logo? Interesting font.
this engine was once sheded at Goole Depot
Very good, it without the desel locomotive. It very hard to driving control when use only the steam locomotive pulling heavy load, because it easy wheelslip.
its quite a long one too
5:02 when V-tech kicks in
sanders on?
Hi folks, maybe someone knows better but I'm not too sure about the cylinder steam cocks being open for too long causing the slip problem (see below). As well as getting rid of any condensed steam in the cylinders and also helping to rewarm them - the primary purpose as water does not compress and could break the cylinders - having them open must also, along with the regulator, reduce the tractive force being applied to those slippery rails. May have been done deliberately by a highly skilled driver. Just a thought.
Lots of thoughts on what's going on. The only people who really know would be those on the footplate. Thanks for your comment.
Look I'm no scientist, but who designed the steam releasing forward? You are coating the metal rails with hot water, do you really expect no wheel slip?
Was sanding ultimately applied?
Yes. It was very well done, requiring skilled judgement and patient persistence. Excellent technique in a difficult situation.
She’s a beauty
No sand ?
Wow she’s on the limit
How many people were traveling on the day you filmed this video?
As a steam excursion I would hope that all coaches were full to capacity.
Most people Do Not realize how much torque a steam locomotive has, just a whisker too much throttle with this loco it was spinning the wheels plus on a curve and with carriages behind it.
What a beauty
61379 was named Mayflower,When was the transfer to 61306 made?
61036 was given the name in preservation
61379 was indeed the original Mayflower, but is was scraped off by BR. In due course 61306 was given that name in preservation. Some people did call the B1 class 'Mayflowers', but to me, and my fellow 'spotters' they were an inferior make-shift locos of no comparison to the V2 class, that we much preferred to 'spot' and watch. On here I cannot say what we actually called a B1 when a dirty grubby one puffed by!
@@TalkeTalker they got nicknamed bongos
@@welsh_Witch Yes, some people did call them Bongos. I can recall seeing that particular locomotive in addition to it's stablemate Kudu, on the former GCR. But trust me, we never called any B1 by any of the named members of the class. Although I have no love for the B1 class, I do appreciate that two have been preserved, if only to remind me how little I thought of them when they were on BR duty.
61379 was named Mayflower to honour the famous ship that carried the Pilgrim fathers to America . At the naming ceremony officials from the Usa and Boston Uk were in attendance. Also the driver that day was a Boston man . So what 61306 is doing with the Mayflower plates is to say the least strange .
Nice to a Pullman CIWL in between
Just a thought from an armchair quarterback - maybe blowing steam all over the rails directly in front of the locomotive isn't such a good idea?
Priceless.
It is an important part of the process, make sure that there is no condensate in the cylinders or valves. I had a funny story about this, many years ago, I went all the way to the Mid Hants to see A4 Union of South Africa, with a little lad. We got a good position on the platform to see a departure, and at the last moment, a camera equipped gricer stepped in front of little lad and assumed the position. The engine's valves were opened and the cloud of steam destroyed his camera. I didn't laugh. And I did tell little lad that he shouldn't have either.
In a former life, one of my occasional tasks was to try to control 'enthusiasts' on platforms when specials went through, the majority were great people who would listen to advice, but there would always be one who would claim to know more than the professionals who would insist on standing in the least sensible places.
What we wanted was for everyone to get a good view, and some memorable photos and video, but above all else, we were there for safety.
Apart from warming the cylinders to avoid excess condensation, opening the cylinder cocks reduces the torque by releasing cylinder pressure. A bit like lifting your foot from the accelerator to keep your car wheels from spinning. You should hear a Caprotti gear loco with its cylinder cocks open - sounds like a Bofors gun going off!
I know 'why' it is done. I just don't think wetting the rails in front of the locomotive is wise. There are lots of locomotives that vent condensate out the side.
@@thomabb If having the cylinder drain cocks vent sideways had any significant benefit, they wouldn't still have been venting forwards afte over a hundred years of steam locomotive design and development.
Great video Graham, as for the 'armchair experts', not quite so much... although their comments make for hilarious reading. Clearly people who have no idea what they are talking about, apart from the mainline steam driver who has driven the B1. 🙄
My thoughts precisely!
What's the name of its express train?
It's like a living thing.
The wheel slip occurred at 3:35
Those cylinder drains not helping . But of corse those drivers know what they are doing . Plus I've only driven 7/quarter gauge locos lol .
nigel hammond cylinder drains are helping. Otherwise water builds up in the cylinders and damages the pistons. I drive miniature locomotives too, you don’t need them as much in miniature.
The cylinder drains have very little to do with the situation. The problem is the wet rails and the lack of grip. In fact if anything, the drains being closed would make it worse as there would be more torque being applied to the wheels.
Think of it this way, in a car on a slippery road, you move off in a higher gear to reduce the torque and to reduce any wheel spin.
It's better to keep the cylinder drains open or open them up straight away when you have a slip to get rid of any steam left in the cylinders avoiding more slippage
Clogged sand dome?
Sand Domes only cam out in the 50's by EMD. She might not have them.
NR dont like people using sand
yes why didn't they put a banker loco on?
Neon Tube because it wasn’t required, they knew the loco could do it. Difficult starts are common.