Latest News of A4 #60019 'Bittern'

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Current main line excursions

Returning to Ropley from Redhill on Tuesday 9th December 2008 near Chertsey Photo (9th December 2008): David Warwick

From: Trevor Carpenter
Sent: 21 December 2008 12:01
A few pictures of Bittern's day out on 6th December you might like for the web site: one over Fareham Viaduct on its outward journey in the morning and two from the water stop at Botley in the evening
Trevor Carpenter

Photo (2159hr, 6th December 2008): Russell Burgess & another by Russell's dad, Roger

From: John Wright
Sent: 09 December 2008 18:54
Hi Tony
A few photos of our last two trips on Bittern: One Two Three Four
The first two are taken at Hornsey after the Christmas White Rose during prep work for the ECS to Old Oak.
The third is in the Elephant shed at Old Oak during the FTR, and the last is on Old Oaks turntable.
Depot staff said it may be the last time a steam loco is turned on this table before closure of the depot.
John

From: Stephen J Williams
Sent: 11 December 2008 20:30
Subject: Bittern on Main Line Sat 6th Dec 2008
Hi Tony
I took attached photo of 60019 Bittern approaching Skew Bridge, West of Salisbury on its way from Haywards Heath to Bath and Bristol.
Stephen J Williams

From: Paul Ridgwell
Sent: 08 December 2008 11:36
Just a very quick note with some photos of Bittern on recent mainline ‘duties’.
The first two are Saturday’s 'Bath Christmas Market'; both taken at Claverton, approaching the Bathampton Junction with the London-Bristol mainline.
The other shot is at Kings Cross after our ‘White Rose’ trip to York – 27th September 2008 – I just thought she looked ‘at home’ there!
Kind regards
Paul Ridgwell

From: David Bates
Sent: 06 December 2008 21:33
Subject: 60019 Bittern - Bath Christmas Market Tour
Hi Tony
I don't know if these photos are of any interest. They show Bittern passing through Bedhampton at 10:20 on 6th December, at the head of the Bath Christmas Market railtour. She looked superb, and well worth the (rather long!) wait, which I now understand was due to a points failure.
Regards
David Bates

From: Kate Maxwell
Sent: 06 December 2008 13:14
Subject: 60019 Bittern on Bath Christmas Market
Here's a picture of 60019 Bittern at Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire, heading to Bath
Was a hour down at Salisbury due to points failure, but was flying through the station to make up time!
Katie

From: Chris Roscoe
Sent: 06 December 2008 15:56
Subject: 60019 The Bath Christmas Market
Bittern on the Bath Christmas Market at Newton St Loe nr Bath
C Roscoe

From: Chris Searle
Sent: 28 November 2008 21:04
Subject: Bittern heads off for Railtour duty...........
Hello Tony
My Father and I made an extra early trip into Guildford this morning for the exciting(?) task of Christmas Shopping. Why did we go early? To see #60019 on her way up to Hornsey Depot for her trip out of Kings Cross to York tommorrow. She certainly attracted a lot of attention from the people on the very cold platforms with mobile phone cameras in heavy use. The steam heated support coach was definitely the best place to be today!
Here are some pictures of her at Guildford this morning where she performed a rather stirring run through the centre platforms just to make sure everyone was awake.
Kind Regards
Chris Searle
P.S. Whilst shopping we found the new book on The Royal Train which has a very good picture of MHR resident #34016 Bodmin on Royal Train duty

Two Three Four Five

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 28 November 2008 14:59
Subject: 019 to Hornsey
Hi Tony
On a very dismal and damp morning, 60019 Bittern is seen steaming through Feltham Station on the up line from Alton, making its way to Hornsey, North London, for an overnight stay in readiness for the Christmas White Rose out of King's Cross to Doncaster on Saturday, 29th November 2008
Regards
Horace

Two photos (MHR, 12th October 2008): David Warwick

Movie: Bittern at Alresford (5.8MB, 18th October 2008): Nic Greene

From: Richard W Poynter
Sent: 16 October 2008 19:47
Subject: Driving "Bittern"
Dear Tony
When I saw that a drive on "Bittern" was up for grabs last February, I just knew there was no way I could resist. As a dedicated "trainspotter" of the fifties, with an uncle who drove for the LNER - and as a 52B Heaton man, he almost certainly would have driven this loco many times - it just had to be.
Two years ago to the day on Oct 13th I drove and fired "Bodmin" which was a memorable day then but this year I travelled the 110 miles to Alresford to achieve one of my life-long ambitions - to drive a Gresley A4.
Words cannot describe what this meant to me and to be allowed to drive it 20 miles was a bonus.
Many thanks to Bob and John in the cab and Bert the guard who made this day so good and also the kind lady for the Shepherds Pie!
I hope Uncle Jack would have been proud of me: he always said he knew exactly where he was between Newcastle and Grantham by listening.
I am very impressed by the Watercress Line and I will certainly come again and recommend it to others.
Yours sincerely
Richard W Poynter

From: John Wright
Sent: 29 September 2008 19:48
Subject: Bittern at Doncaster
Hi Tony
I have just got back from another successful weekend with Bittern to Doncaster and back.
It was great to see her back at her birthplace and I have attached a couple of photos:

Bittern below Sir Nigel Gresley's office - note the clock on the wall which is an old smokebox door

The erecting shop where Bittern was rolled out in 1938

It would have been nice to pose her in front of the shed but it wasn't possible - maybe next time!
Thanks to the staff at Doncaster for a very informative guided tour of the works.
Best regards
John Wright

Alex Penfold kept a log of the run: "...in case anyone wants to see just how well #60019 performed on the ECML"

White Rose, 27 Sept 08 (Log) - Excel file viewable also with

From: Jim Whittamore
Sent: 28 September 2008 17:29
Subject: The White Rose
Dear Tony
I enclose pics of Bittern on Saturday 27 September at approx. 8.05am pulling The White Rose.
Once again Hatfield hit with poor weather, this time fog. The visibility was in places nearly zero, so much so that Bittern could not be seen or heard until seconds before the photos were taken. That said the engine looked as good as ever going through Hatfield Station, Herts, at a fair old speed
Kind Regards
Jim Whittamore

One Two Three

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 27 September 2008 13:07
Subject: Bittern at Kings Cross
Hi Tony
In the early morning misty gloom, 'BITTERN' stands again majestic at London's Kings Cross station today.
Heading the 'White Rose' to York & Scarborough, 60019 takes flight for a 7.25am start, reminiscent of the steam age that made this station special in the hearts of enthusiasts around the world.
Our 'bird' helped to make it famous.
p.s.BITTERN was only going as far as Doncaster on this trip and return. Diesel on the other leg.

Rolleiflex pictures: One Two Three Four

Regards
Horace

From: Martin Beckett
Sent: 02 August 2008 08:41
Subject: Bittern
Tony
Might be of interest - Tommy Knox's LNER Pacifics Database has an item on Bittern's duties in 1938 soon after it entered service.
A regular on the Flying Scotsman which was a 500 ton train at that time.
Martin

16th July 2008: At the site of the old Bratton & Edington station on the B & H line, running fast and on time, lifting a valve as she approached Movie (500KB, evening of 16th July 2008) : Robin Silman
From: Chris Tarry Sent: 17 July 2008 12:42 Subject: #60019 yesterday Hi Tony Please find a couple of pictures from my trip behind 60019 to Bristol yesterday, 16th July. Train ran perfectly, even arriving back into Victoria 15 minutes early: maybe you should offer to help sort out some of First Great Western's timing issues!! Thanks Chris
	Returning Cathedrals Express at Stidham farm Saltord near Bath Photo (16th July 2008):Chris Roscoe
Earlier today, 16th July 2008: Near Crofton Beam House on the outward Cathedrals Express Photo (16th July 2008): David Allsop
'Look Grandad, a real engine' This little fella had made a special journey to see 019 Bittern at Staines station this morning - something he will remember for a long time to come.... All aboard for Bristol Mr.Driver, sir Report and four photos (Rolleiflex, HP5 film, 16th July 2008): Horace Ward

15th July 2008: Jonathan Holmes caught Bittern on its way to Southall ready for tomorrow's run to Bristol

Approaching King Street crossing south of Tallington on the UP Slow towards Peterborough

Photos (6th July 2008): Steve Clark

From: Edward J Dyer
Sent: 05 July 2008 20:02
Subject: Bittern at A4 Gathering

Just returned from the A4 Gathering at the National Railway Museum, York.
Bittern looked fantastic.

It rained most of the morning, but the sun made an appearance for a brief period in the afternoon. Apart from when I see Bittern at the Mid-Hants Railway (when the sun seems to shine continually!!!!), it always seems to rain when I see her.

Pleased find attached three images showing Bittern posing with her old friends.

Many thanks
Regards
Edward J Dyer

Photo (6th? July 2008): Chris Hurst

From: Jim Whittamore
Sent: 23 June 2008 18:43

Dear Tony

At approx. 9.50 this morning, Sat. 21 June, I had the pleasure of taking some photographs of BITTERN en route to Lincoln.

The engine was photographed as it approached Hatfield station following its departure from Potters Bar.

BITTERN lit up the dull, rainy morning.

It was good to see her again following the great work your company did with her.

I would like to commend you on your excellent website.

Jim Whittamore

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 22 June 2008 18:43
Subject: Cathedrals Express
Tony
Had an excellent run from Kings Cross to Lincoln behind Bittern yesterday. The loco performed faultlessly and you must all be very proud of what you have achieved.
(The poor weather and the loco pulling well through the platform made photo opportunities difficult.)
The return run was equally exhilarating behind Sir Nigel Gresley.
Two A4s in one day can't be bad.
Regards
Ken

Rolling into Gillingham, returning from Exeter Photo (1st June 2008): Clive Warneford

From: Malcolm Trussler
Sent: 31 May 2008 18:52
Dear Tony
Today I was the Guard of 1T37, the 13.09 Waterloo to Portsmouth service (450 069F+450099R). After leaving Woking my driver informed me that we were following a steam engine. Unusually for a Portmouth service we were routed via the down slow to Farnborough and then out to the down fast just after the station. We passed 60019 and its support coach between Winchfield and Hook on the Down Slow.
Forewarned by my driver, I was able to get to the back cab of 099 and take this unusual picture through the secondman's rear window. Regrettably I only had my mobile phone camera at my disposal and have cleaned the picture up on the PC to improve the quality. I am not sure if it is any good or of any use to you but it is quite unusual so this might be good enough on its own! Please feel free to use it if it is up to standard.
She was just pottering along sedately at about 50 mph and the Fireman even managed a wave for my driver. Good to know that Railwaymen still stick together!
Keep up the good work with the MHR and the excellent website
Malcolm Trussler
AKA Daniel Gooch
SWT Basingstoke Guard

Many professional railwaymen follow progress at MHR through our website. Those in other countries often come to see us when they visit UK.

The new MHR headboard (above) on Bittern light engine movements brings significantly more browsers to our website, but there are still many potential visitors out there who haven't discovered MHR - if you know of any, please tell them about us ... tw

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 01 June 2008 10:05
Subject: Bittern in leafy Berkshire
Hi Tony
Bringing back childhood memories for one visitor on Ascot station while seeing off #60019 Bittern.
After a water stopover, our famous steam engine continued it's journey to Stratford-upon-Avon on May 14th.with the Cathedrals Express.
Pictured with a 35mm Canon compact.
Regards,
Horace

Bittern in London on the 14th May (About 20 shots on my mobile phone put together in Photoshop): Jon Gibson Skinner. Sent 30 May 2008

From: Terry Gale
Sent: 17 May 2008
Here’s a couple taken over the past week: one pulling the Cathedrals Express through Wokingham last Wednesday and the return to base on Thursday.
Regards
Terry
(MHR Alton Platform staff)

From: David Beard
Sent: 17 May 2008 10:13
I thought you might like this picture I took of Bittern just prior to boarding my train at Clapham Junction for Alton on 14 May 08.

From: Mark Drinkwater
Sent: 15 May 2008 18:25
Dear Tony
Yesterday I went to see Bittern at Reading on her return leg of her trip to Stratford.
I got a few pictures.
Cheers
Mark

One Two Three

From: S Walters
Hi Tony
THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS Wednesday, 14th May 2008.
It was slowing down to turn right up to Oxford.
I like your movies, show the people what goes on.
Steve


4th May 2008 at the 'mother' station, KINGS CROSS, reminisce of a bygone age... Gathering of fans with 'still' and movie cameras (young lady) completed the Sunday outing to Norwich. History in the making. Horace Photos (Rolleiflex; HP5 film; 4th May 2008): Horace Ward

Photo (Cambridge, 4th May 2008): Allan Nunn

Photos (Ropley, 20th April 2008): David Warwick

From: Graham Smith
Sent: 29 April 2008 20:25
Subject: Bittern's second tender
Dear Tony
I wonder if you know the reason why Bittern is currently not using its second, water-carrying tender on main line trips?
Graham

There were initially some outstanding certification issues which have now been resolved. The water carrier is available for use when required ... tw

From: Christopher Searle
Sent: 20 April 2008 14:34
Subject: The continuing adventures of #60019
Hello Tony
My Father and I had our first Main Line run behind Bittern yesterday and were very impressed by her.
She looked superb and performed magnificently on an excursion to the Severn Valley Railway from Swindon (returning as far as Oxford in the evening).
Sapperton and Old Hill banks were tackled in some style and fast running was very frequent. Wonderful!
She is definitely a star loco as I could not believe the crowds that waited for her arrival on the SVR.
Attached are some pictures of her very brief visit to Bridgnorth Shed (for servicing) which was open as the SVR was hosting it's members and shareholders event.
I think all of the SVR shed staff turned out to see her! A great day with #60019.
Kind Regards
Christopher Searle

Two Three Four

#60019 climbing through Old Hill station on the return journey after visiting SVR

I believe the gradient here is about 1 : 51 ?

More photos: Kidderminster and Old Hill and Severn Valley

Regards
Sharpo

From: David Creasey
Sent: 19 April 2008 22:32
Subject: #60019
Gents
Attached are some pics of #60019 Bittern taken today when it worked (from Swindon) a Kensington Olympia to the Severn Valley Railway special.
#67003 hauled the train from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth with #60019 on the rear.
Best Regards
David Creasey

#60019 passes backwards through Highley

#60019 moves off shed at Bridgnorth

#60019 enters Hampton Loade on the way home

#60019 enters Kemble en route to the SVR

02:00am on Friday morning (18th April 2008) at Old Oak Common when we moved her down from Peterborough, that’s the time we had her disposed!

Photo and report: Dave Zehetmayr

From: Daniel Stapleton
Sent: 17 April 2008 13:50
Subject: No. 60019
Dear Tony
Been looking at some photos taken of Bittern during her mainline stint in the 1970s and have noticed that she used to carry small plaques on the sides of her casing with a picture of her namesake on them (similar to the Springbok plaque carried by classmate #60009 Union of South Africa)? Are the current whereabouts of these plaques known? If so, are there any plans for #60019 to carry them again in the future?
Regards
Dan Stapleton

Such plaques apparently weren’t fitted in BR days so MHR are unlikely to fit them. I think any previously fitted are not with us - if they still exist ... tw

From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 16 April 2008 20:30
Subject: Bittern tonight

A quick one off the bridge at Peterborough tonight.
Bittern stands in the yard having just arrived from York.
Light was fading fast, so again not one of my best shots

Regards
Phill

From: Steve Clark
Sent: 12 April 2008 09:00
Subject: Bittern with the North Briton Rail Tour this morning
Hi There
Have another photo of Bittern taken for you this morning on the North Briton Rail Tour around 7:50 at Offord Cluny just south of Huntingdon.
Enjoy
Steve Clark

and on 13th April 2008 ... SC

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 11 April 2008 19:20
Subject: The Royal Scot/Bittern
Hi Tony
A stranger in town..and Euston at that.
019 Bittern turns up under the guise of The Royal Scot pulling a special out of London's Euston Station on Friday, April 11th.
Actually not to Scotland but a round trip of the Surrey countryside returning to Victoria a few hours later.
The enthusiasts turned out to see 019 off and plenty of cameras snapping away to record the event, not usually found on these metals in the steam days at Euston.
p.s. Pic.3 shows Bittern departing out of the station. Pictured with a Rolleiflex.
Regards
Horace

One Two Three Four See also

From: Justin Muir
Sent: 11 April 2008 17:03
Subject: Bittern - #60019
Hello
Photo taken today by me as she passed near Woking in Surrey - use how you like - no copyright.
Looked fantastic
Kind Regards
Justin Muir

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 09 April 2008 22:33
Subject: #60019 on its travels
Hi Tony
Thought you might be interested in these photos of #60019 in deepest Yorkshire at the weekend.
Regards
Matt

One Two Three Four Five

From: Edward J Dyer
Sent: 07 April 2008 00:07
Subject: Bittern at the NYMR Gala
Tony
Thought you might like to see this image taken on Saturday (April 5th) at the NYMR LNER Gala.
Saturday's weather was terrible. Rain, Sleet and Snow nearly all day. This image was taken during one such heavy dourpour!!!!
Many regards
Edward J Dyer

Photo (Welwyn North, 25th March 2008): Brian Easter

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 03 March 2008 23:13
Subject: Bittern
Hello Tony
A long way from home but... http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Udd6WHg4o
Best regards
Nigel, Michael & Philip

From: Henry ODwyer
Sent: 29 February 2008 12:11
Subject: #19
There you go #19 at Kew East.
Bang on time
Nice quartered buffers as well.
Rgds,
H

Two photos (29th February 2008): Henry O'Dwyer

...............................

From: Matthew Oakley
Sent: 29 February 2008 10:40
Subject: 60019 Bittern
Hi Tony
I saw Bittern go through Ash today en route to the Nene Valley Railway and I took a quick
video (1.3MB, 29th February 2008, Matt Oakley)
Cheers
Matt

Sunset photo of Bittern in February 2008

Bittern on a MHR service train 5th January 2008: John H Bird

Bittern hauls MHR weekend service trains Photo (5th January 2008): John H Bird

Photo (6th January 2008): Matt Allen

A4 #60019 'Bittern': York to Finsbury Park

From: Dave Zehetmayr
Sent: 15 December 2007 21:49
Subject: Bittern at St.Neots, 15.12.07 (mp4 movie, 2MB) ... 3567 downloads as at 0400hr on 10th January 2008
I just made it to St Neots to see Bittern make her return run to London.
Bittern was running 45mins early, just got the camera running.
Dave Zehetmayr
p.s. Sorry about the talking - I couldn't help myself, it sounded so good!

Bittern outside Waverley station, Edinburgh, 18th October 1950

Latest News and Photos of A4 #60019 Bittern

Restoration of A4 #60019 Bittern

1st December 2007:

King's Cross to York, 1st December 2007

Photo (St Neots, 0800h, 1st December 2007): Dave Zehetmayr

Photo (Yaxley, 1st December 2007): Phill Brentor

Photo (Holme Crossing near Peterborough, 8:27, 1st December 2007): Steve Clark

Photo (taking water at Peterborough yard, 1st December 2007): Phill Brentor

Photo (York, 1250, 1st December 2007): Cathryn Bennett

On 'YouTube'    More See also


Bittern arrives at Medstead & Four Marks whilst on Footplate Experience duties (February 2008) (YouTube movie)

Restoration at Mid Hants Railway of A4 #60019 'Bittern' - Index to pages

Movies:

#60019 Bittern hauls 1155 Alton - Alresford service train (8.4MB, nr Soke Hill, 18th October 2008): Tony Wood

A4 #60019 Bittern arrives at Ropley with a down service train (5.2MB, 10th February 2008): Tony Wood

Bittern at speed through St.Neots (mp4, 2MB, 15th December 2007): Dave Zehetmayr
A4 Bittern arrives at Ropley with an up service train, crossing with 'Wadebridge' and departing with the 1116 for Alton (12½MB, 1st August 2007): Tony Wood

A4 Bittern arrives at Ropley from Alresford with first service of the day (3.5MB, 19th July 2007): Tony Wood

A4 Bittern departs Ropley with 1116 for Alton. MPD staff observe! (8.3MB, 19th July 2007): Tony Wood

30th July 2007:

Restoration of A4 'Bittern'	Two photos (30th July 2007): Steve Walters

Curious working at M4M. Photo (M4M, 22nd July 2007): Rod Wicks

We are currently operating a special timetable on Sundays when the Countryman Lunch train runs which requires it to turn around at Medstead.
When this happens the 3.00 pm ex-Alresford to Alton service has to run 'wrong road' through the down platform at Medstead and Four Marks.
'Bittern' on the service train approaching and passing 'Bodmin' waiting to depart for Alresford with the down dining train service.

40th Anniversary of the End of Steam on Southern Railway (MHR event: 7th & 8th July 2007)

included the first service runs of newly-renovated A4 Bittern

Photo (Alresford, 7th July 2007): Edward Dyer

Photo (Bittern's first service run, 7th July 2007): Dave Warwick *
* Yes he is authorised to be there

Photo (14th June 2007): Henry O'Dwyer

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