44871 & 45407 Blast Up Llanvihangel & The Lickey Bank - Welsh Marches Express
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- For me this was one of the highlights of the year with lots of rare ground on offer and the big inclusion of the Lickey Bank on the return leg. With a week to go it was announced that a diesel would be needed on the back to complete turning moves at Cardiff, this was due to the triangle being unavailable to steam. Not the end of the world, but with the additional added weight this would guarantee some assistance on the big banks.
The day started off slowly with a late departure out of Birmingham International due to watering taking an eternity due to low pressure on the water tankers ! In turn the locos left 24 late and that would make chasing the the train very tight !
The first scene sees a very rare southbound climb out of New Street up to Five Ways, unfortunately there was a restriction through the tight platforms, regardless it was great to see steam heading this way. With the tour running late we made a dash in the car towards the Malvern Hills, the locos had now made up the majority of the time and I fortunately made it to my location with 30 seconds to spare, unfortunately, I had no time to set up, so I had to make do with a hand held shot, apologies for the wobbles !
Once again we was back on the chase, this time heading towards Llanvihangel and once again I just about made it with two minutes to spare ! Fortunately I was able to set up my equipment just in time. The pair are seen swiftly after at Llanvihangel summit making plenty of noise !
For the return leg we chose Abergavenny station, where we would see a rare night time northward passing as the pair thundered through as they hit the bottom of the Llanvihangel Bank. Usually steam only passes north through Abergavenny in daylight hours, so this was something I didn't want to miss !
The highlight of trip for passengers and enthusiasts would be the climb of the UK's steepest bank, which is the notorious Lickey Bank, the two mile climb of a grade of 1/37 3/4 would see the pair blast there way to the summit with the aided help of the diesel which was to be expected. Regardless of the rear end assistance this was a super show from the Black Fives with some stunning fire glow on show ! Three angles capture the action.
A challenging day in the end, though still plenty of positives to take from day, especially on the return leg ! I hope you enjoy the video.
We are so privileged in this country to have so many preserved loco's running on the main lines, and it is absolutely fantastic that people like yourself share all of this with us. Lovely shots, and my favourites must be the night scenes, they always catch so much action, along with one hell of a big dose of atmosphere, just stunning as always. Thank you.
Great to see the detail of the Birmingham sequences, then dramatic open country, but what a finale with the night shots - especially the last! Wouldn't have noticed the hand-held aspect if you hadn't mentioned it... expertly done as always. Many thanks for sharing, Liam. Kind regards and keep safe, Bob.
Wonderful imagery, especially at the end with the night time shots. The loco's looked to be exploding with fire....super stuff.
Cheers Brian, the night time shots were everything I hoped for.
I was at my local station to see the black 5s accelerate at speed
Thanks for who had taken this amazing video 👍
Excellent coverage of the day Liam. Even a few different angles on familiar locations too. Llanvihangel for example on the climb to the summit. Must check that our some time.
It was great to meet you again & to meet your Dad. You did make it to the Lickey after.
Well done, Geraint
Thanks Geraint, good to catch up at Llanvihangel. I was happy with the night shots and we was all rewarded with a good show through Abergavenny.
Great video
Always a joy to watch. Thanks.
Thank you Pedro, all the best.
Superb video, great camera work; Thanks for posting your efforts.
Cheers, you're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Stunning video.
Cheers matey, all the best.
Fantastic coverage as usual Liam/Phil & done with the usual military precision!! I fancied Five Ways myself but knew of the 5mph clearance restriction so opted for Adderley Park instead but it worked OK for you. The finale was as expected but hard to believe it's been 50 years since I last fired a 'Five' up the bank lol. Regards, Brian.
Cheers Brian, I assume you still get the Network Rail documents for charter operations ? Steam southbound though Five Ways is rare, so not to upset with the slack through the platform !
Could not possibly confirm or deny Liam. Yes FW worked out OK but I would like to have seen maximum effort & blowing the roof off lol. At least I had AP to myself & they were running well. Brian.
That was some cracking footage sir, including the "light show" on the Lickey. Brought back a few memories of the Winter Cumbrian trip myself and my brother did at the beginning of the year with the same two locos
Thanks Ian, you're just guaranteed a great show with these two workhorses up front. Glad to rekindle some memories for you. Regards, Liam
Brilliant Footage As Usual.....Thoroughly Enjoyed It......Trevor.''
Happy to hear it Trevor, it's much appreciated.
Super video ! Five star.
Much appreciated David. Thanks.
Excellent video....many thanks gentlemen! Your teamwork really works well and I think the night shots were real classics....especially the Lickey shots. The Wychbold Farm (Droitwich) long wave radio mast lights puzzled me at first because they don't seem so prominent during daylight from your viewpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the production. Well done. Rob.
Thanks very much Rob, glad you enjoyed the night scenes. Regards, Liam
Great video mate :) Lovely sight and sound!
Cheers Matey, much appreciated.
Excellent chase Liam and Phil, I did like your choices of where to go but I was very interested what the Lickey was going to look like in the dark.
Thanks Mike, fortunately the building site behind Vigo crossing is lit up like a Xmas Tree, so it certainly makes the shot a lot better !
Fantastic shot at Abagervenny. And the going away shot on the Lickey. I wonder whether they really need two support coaches, they could have had another coach for fare paying passengers.
The going away shots on the Lickey certainly carry the most atmosphere ! Enjoyed the Abergavenny shot. A night time run is rare going northbound !
Magnificent Beasties luv the firey smoke
Was a great show Jim.
Wow that night shot crossing the bridge and the fire glowing from both engines is nothing short of breath taking, Well done to the camera crew!
Amazing sound regards Ian Swindon UK.
Cheers Ian, all the best.
Cheers from the USofA mate, what camera are you using? Superb work keep it up.
Cheers Thomas, we are using Panasonic VXF 990, Panasonic X920, Panasonic V750 !
Amazing, what camera do you use?
Cheers ! Panasonic VXF990, Panasonic X920, Panasonic HC V750
The clear excitement of the kid on the end of the platform at 8:15 is what it's all about. Wonderful, evocative shots as always.
Superb, you and your team worked so hard to get this and what a glorious finale. Many thanks.
Went from good to superbv to breathtaking.
This is just WONDERFUL, thank you for posting!! Standing in the exhaust, the fire glow reflected in the steam in the Lickey, just stunning.
You're welcome Nigel, the fire glow was pretty special and glad to of witnessed it.
I'd say Black 5s are just as noisy as a GWR engine, like Foxcote Manor for example. I've listened to the bark of both different engines, and the sound is almost exactly the same. I understand if you think differently.
Nice video great camera work as usual as always great sound from 44871 and 45407 bye for now Philip
Fantastic footage, well-done.
On a side note.. really frustrating that a diesel has to be put on when it's a double header, especially when it seems that the diesel is consistently doing something and not idling like it should do.
It's splendid to see double headed black 5s on this train but why oh why do they need a diesel banking, in many ways it's an insult to see, 2 `mickeys` which are powerful enough to haul a 10 coach train which is well within their power range even on the welsh banks, for us ardent steam enthusiasts, it's a bit of a let down.
Watching in 2022, and this is some awesome footage and wow 5s are just proper workhorses
Who the hell put 7 thumbs down to this???
Who thumbed down ?.... 7 tossers with no soul that's who !
That last shot was one of the best I have seen this year.
Thanks for your kind opinion !
great video including the climb of lickey bank
Wonderful combination of locos. Nice camera work too. Last but one shot almost got a full train in view. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing .
Lovely to see where old station at Llanvihangel used to be . Spent most of my childhood in Station House with grandparents
Your videos have some of the best sound to them. Thanks for paying so much attention to sound recording. It shows.
Loads of real power ! Steam Mind you 12 driving wheels ! Really great shots well done
the black 5 was staniers best loco by far lb for lb better than the larger locos he built later
Truly magical
Another excellent video Liam , would not expect anything else from you . 🚂🚂
Thanks Sue, your feedback is always greatly welcomed.
What is the actual location of the shot described as "Colwall Bank"? If this is on the worcestershire side of the hills and still climbing, it is more likely to be Malvern Wells.
Correct It's just after Malvern Wells.
Thanks for that. Growing up in Malvern in the 50's and 60's and subsequently visiting until the death of my father in 2014, this was a popular location for trainspotting.
Wow, great video.
Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks.
isn't Dainton East 1 in 36 at its worst for a very short section. I know N.A to Plymouth is up/down.
That's Westbound. There's about 1/2 mile of 1/37 & 1/38 going eastbound. It's a real mix bag of tough grades. Not sure what the average grade is but it's below 1/55 ! Toughest gradient is probably Exeter Bank, as there's no run up on a sweeping curve. The Lickey is classed as the steepest UK mainline gradient, but it's savior is the fact it's dead straight and has an 80mph run up. Hemerdon is also up there at 1/42, but that also has a decent run up.
Exeter St Davids to Central is fairly sustained at about 1 in 36/37 with no run at it. Thanks for reply.
A stunning video. Superb steam action from some great locations.
Thanks, your comment is much appreciated.
@@MarshSteamVideosTM 10:13 is the back steam locomotive on fire?
Brilliant shots.You certainly know where to pick you spots.The night ones are just very atmospheric Thank You .
Cheers Neil, thankfully everything went to plan, which is not always the case.
Uhuiii
some lovely sounds.
Wonderful photography captured it perfectly. Brings a lump to your throat!!
Thanks Kevin, all the best.
Absolutely outstanding Liam and Phil....stunning compilation of clips...the Lickey was something else.....Well done the both of you....Bob
Bob, thanks as always for your kind comments. It was nice to get the night shots working well.
Superb video Liam and Phil..some really great captures....Just loved the Firebox light reflected in the Smoke in end clips...A video maker's dream ...Best wishes....Steve.-:)
Thanks for the nice comment Steve. I was banking on some fire glow on the Lickey !
Excellent Liam , a superb show from the pair with the Lickey being my standout shot . Steve
Thanks Steve, some new ground for Mr Riley's engines and as usual right on the money !
Great work Liam and after a relatively slow steady the 5s really got into their stride from Llanvihangel on through Abergavenney, and the clips on the Pocket were all a night time video should be! Plenty of sound, smoke, steam, reflections of the fire on the exhaust - superb! Thanks, Ken
Thanks Ken, the night shots couldn't of gone any better really ! Thanks for your kind comments as always.
Very nice. Thanks.
You're welcome, all the best.
Great video as always !!
Thanks again friend.
Excellent film and some great Black 5 sounds! Thanks for sharing! John
Thanks John, you can always count on the Five's for some good sound.
Superb footage Liam, The 2 night shots are the best in my eyes, a great performance from both locos. I'm quite glad I didn't go to see it myself now though as you did nearly all the shots I was planning to do...Graham
Cheers Graham, I assumed you be high up in the sky lol ! Glad the night shots worked out, Abergavenny was a fine show ! Regards, Liam
Fabulous shots. Having really enjoyed shooting some Super 8 cine in the late 60's, more in the 70's and 80's, with separate sound, then good analogue video in the 90's I've concentrated on stills in recent years and I miss the completeness of the video experience - no doubt improved with modern technology. You clearly have good equipment - would you be able to say what camera and mic you use? Many thanks to you.
Camcorders are Panasonic VXF990 & X920, with a Rode Video mic which is protected by a standard broadcast blimp. Thanks for the feedback, it's much appreciated.
You should be very proud and pleased with yourself, to plan and to pull all this off, fantastic night shots. Thank you so much for showing
Thanks Peter, we just showed up and hoped for the best. Fortunate, we was !
You never fail to get these Brilliant shots, Pictures and sounds were just amazing . thank you .
Thanks you Ernest, glad you enjoyed the results.
Another cracking video. thanks for your sterling efforts. Barry. Devon.
Cheers Barry. You're most welcome. Regards, Liam
Here in the USA we do not have a lot of rail fans who video trains and then post to UA-cam. I am very thankful for all the Brits who post videos to UA-cam. Your video of 44871 and 45407 in the various locations is truly magnificent and I shall keep a copy in my saved playlist. Your dedication to filming the spectacular steam trains is greatly appreciated.
Neal, your comment is also greatly appreciated. We are fortunate to have a big community of people who's sole purpose is to preserve & run steam locomotives on the mainline for all to enjoy. Glad you enjoyed the video. Regards, Liam
So three locos to pull and push 10 x Mk1's with a total output of around 4,700hp. What a waste of money !
The diesel was used for Cowburn Tunnel up Malvern Bank, as it was decided the length of the tunnel and the amount of steam/smoke would be too much for the crews. The show up the Lickey was a bit overkill, as the pair could of got the train comfortably over the top.
Top class production. Well done.Most enjoyable.
Thanks for the kind assessment. Glad you enjoyed it.
Steaming hot man!
Just how I like it !
wow, amazing, sound played in my headphones is stunning and you have captured the ascent of the licky superbly. A hoy to watch
Thanks Nigel, we was happy with the results on the Lickey and was great to of been there. Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent team filming, well done
What a superb piece of filming, especially the night shots and the Lickey Incline.
Cracking footage Liam with the night shots being especially memorable
Thanks Austin, I preferred the night shots over the daylight one's.
I think the two %s could have handled the ten up the Lickey without that lump of pig iron on the back , but the night shots on the bank were magnificent thank you
you must have been stood next to me, i took the same video of them passing up through peachfield common on the way to colwall, i was the tall guy next to the lady with the mega expensive gadgets!
Tom, I was in the wooded area behind the fence and I only just about made it with a minute to spare ! I didn't have time to set up and had to do it handheld I didn't fancy the bridge as it looked busy !
yes it was very busy
Awesome Footage !!
Spectacular night time footage. Well done
Thanks Martin, we was very fortunate to get such a good fire show.
Those night shots are just stunning. Observation: The night footage shows some gas burning above those locos and I think its normal, plus the absence of any fine glowing particles suggest that these locos are gas powered and not coal like in the original design. Is this a fair observation?
Again, No ! These locomotives are coal powered, as is every other registered steam loco in the UK.
The apparent burning is the light from the open firebox door illuminating the clouds of smoke and steam.If you freeze frame at 10.13 you can see illuminated sections of the smoke way behind the engine. Many years ago there was a song "Dirty old town" I think by Ewan MacColl which had a lyric in it along the lines ...Watched the trains set the night on fire!
Lovely footage!!
Thank you ! All the best.