Tornado vs Top Gear ?

[EM2]

Another forum I frequent has said that Top Gear are putting on another race tomorrow (25th April).

And why is that of interest to us at RailUK, say ye?

Well, apparently, Jeremy is driving a Jaguar from London to Edinburgh, leaving at 07.25. At the same time, James and Richard leave King's Cross. Behind Tornado hock:

Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

 

[glynn80]

Another forum I frequent has said that Top Gear are putting on another race tomorrow (25th April).

And why is that of interest to us at RailUK, say ye?

Well, apparently, Jeremy is driving a Jaguar from London to Edinburgh, leaving at 07.25. At the same time, James and Richard leave King's Cross. Behind Tornado hock:

Can anyone confirm whether this is true?

Certainly not tommorow as firstly Tornado is not running tommorow at all (http://www.a1steam.com/) and secondly there are no London to Edinburgh steam tours running anyway http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs09.htm).

 

[Phoenix]

Certainly not tommorow as firstly Tornado is not running tommorow at all (http://www.a1steam.com/) and secondly there are no London to Edinburgh steam tours running anyway http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs09.htm).

It's a private event so the tour will basically be filled with BBC peoples and the A1 trust have been asked to be quiet about it so that no one attempts to mess up the challenge there was some timings for the tour but they were canceled but it is indeed happening according to a few.

 

[CCF23]

what time do you think it could leave kings cross

 

[90019]

Methinks an afternoon at Waverley is called for

 

[EM2]

what time do you think it could leave kings cross

The info on t'other forum said depart KX @ 07.25, arrive E'burgh @ 15.15

 

[generalvegitable]

... depart KX @ 07.25, arrive E'burgh @ 15.15

which is roughly 15 minuites after the car arrives, to comply with the top gear rigging system

 

[anthony263]

If this is true i cant wait to see it on top gear, but can we at least have a race where jeremy actually looses, especially if he is beaten by a steam train, i can see james mays face if that were to happen.

certainly will be watching top gear when it apears back in the autum

 

[jopsuk]

which is roughly 15 minuites after the car arrives, to comply with the top gear rigging system

It's not rigged.


It's scripted.


Top Gear isn't a "factual" programme. It's entertainment. Damn good entertainment.

I can remember a couple of years ago they won an Emmy for "Best International Unscripted Programme". On air, they dedicated it to their script writers.

They do, however, and this includes Clarkson, admire feats of British engineering

Anywaym google maps reckons on about 7hrs 10 minutes for driving Kings Cross to Waverly Bridge. However, this is a journey planner that seems to suggest you can do a left turn from North Bridge onto Market Street. Reckon the Jag doesn't have the ground clearence to get over the parapet, and the drop's around three high building stories hock:

 

[glynn80]

It's a private event so the tour will basically be filled with BBC peoples and the A1 trust have been asked to be quiet about it so that no one attempts to mess up the challenge there was some timings for the tour but they were canceled but it is indeed happening according to a few.

Sorry, I was under the impression they were travelling on an organised railtour.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I'm glad that nobody on this forum is irresponsible enough to arrange a slow road movement, such as a tractor hauled straw cart travelling on one of the un-dualled stretches of the A1 or the A68 or A702 (do we know which route is planned in the north?).
Any such plan will be severely depricated on the grounds of public safety.

 

[berwickspotter]

I'M not a fan of tornado becaue i'm a diesel man. but please keep richard and james
away from the footplate HA HA

 

[yorkie]

Will they be allowed to break the speed limit? If so, Tornado will lose.

Apparently Tornado can only do 75 or 90* so what are they doing - slow lines and looping or delaying NXEC? If the former, Tornado will also lose.

Either way I can't see Tornado winning due to the rigging that they will do.

* The top speed is listed as 90 but "75 for the national rail network" - can anyone confirm?

 

[1D53]

Will they be allowed to break the speed limit?

I very much doubt it.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Much depends on the road route chosen.
The A1 follows the ECML very closely, but the A1M, A68 is over 25 miles shorter and the M1 - M6 - M74 - A702 is about another 10m shorter.

 

[glynn80]

Will they be allowed to break the speed limit? If so, Tornado will lose.

Apparently Tornado can only do 75 or 90* so what are they doing - slow lines and looping or delaying NXEC? If the former, Tornado will also lose.

Either way I can't see Tornado winning due to the rigging that they will do.

* The top speed is listed as 90 but "75 for the national rail network" - can anyone confirm?

Its top speed currently allowed on the UK network is 75mph

Quote from Wikipedia

In 2004, approval was sought for 90 mph (140 km/h) running, which would make Tornado the fastest present-day steam locomotive in Britain. This approach is required to run at speeds comparable to contemporary rail traffic, involving full certification of Tornado.While older preserved steam locomotives are subject to speed and safety restrictions, approval for 90 mph (140 km/h) running is possible for Tornado due to her brand new condition.Like her predecessors, the original Peppercorn A1 class, Tornado could reach 100 mph (160 km/h).

It was expected that Tornado would achieve certification to be allowed to run at 90 mph (140 km/h) on the main line, although it was believed this may not occur until 2009. As of January 2009, having gained approval for running at 75 mph (121 km/h), "active discussion" was said to be taking place about testing Tornado to "a higher speed".

 

[90019]

Anywaym google maps reckons on about 7hrs 10 minutes for driving Kings Cross to Waverly Bridge. However, this is a journey planner that seems to suggest you can do a left turn from North Bridge onto Market Street. Reckon the Jag doesn't have the ground clearence to get over the parapet, and the drop's around three high building stories hock:

Well, it's only a detour of a few hundred metres to get round that one anyway.

I think I'm definately gonna have to go to Waverley tomorrow afternoon anyway.
I reckon the Jag's likely to be an XKR too

 

[Daimler]

Well, it's only a detour of a few hundred metres to get round that one anyway.

I think I'm definately gonna have to go to Waverley tomorrow afternoon anyway.
I reckon the Jag's likely to be an XKR too

I've heard it'll be an E-Type! If not, I'm betting on an XFR, as they haven't tested that one yet (though the XKR has just got itself a new engine).

 

[90019]

I've heard it'll be an E-Type! If not, I'm betting on an XFR, as they haven't tested that one yet (though the XKR has just got itself a new engine).

I doubt it'll be an E-type, it'll be something new, so could be an XFR or XKR.

 

[me123]

Because it's not a proper railtour, I've got a feeling that'll delay it considerably. Also, I imagine Jeremy Clarkson will speed. He doesn't come across as a sensible driver for some reason.

Anyway, where do you think they'll loop tornado for a few hours to give Clarkson an advantage?

 

[Phoenix]

Will they be allowed to break the speed limit? If so, Tornado will lose.

Apparently Tornado can only do 75 or 90* so what are they doing - slow lines and looping or delaying NXEC? If the former, Tornado will also lose.

Either way I can't see Tornado winning due to the rigging that they will do.

* The top speed is listed as 90 but "75 for the national rail network" - can anyone confirm?

The chances are the usual entertainment factor will end up with Clarkson driving a car built the same year as the A1 class (not 2008).
So chances are this car will probs on cruise at 100MPH and considering Tornado will have a clear path 90MPH will probably make it an even race.


Let's be honest everyone the railways have become a little to Hum drum so I say LET THE RACE BEGIN.
You never know they might let her try beat Mallards record next (doubtful)

 

[rogACE]

says nothing

 

[Jordy]

It is running, 1Z63 07.25 King's Cross - Edinburgh. Currently in the Huntingdon area, 6 early! Ta JBC

 

[LilLoaf]

I very much doubt it.

So do i but they will do anyway. I reckin the car will win like. So is the race from Kings X station - Ed Way station, if so traffic may be a problem (both car and the train).

I wasn't going to go and photo it cos i've got loads of pics anyway but i think i might go now, might get on TV.

 

[90019]

It is running, 1Z63 07.25 King's Cross - Edinburgh. Currently in the Huntingdon area, 6 early! Ta JBC

So do we know what time it's due in?

 

[route:oxford]

However, this is a journey planner that seems to suggest you can do a left turn from North Bridge onto Market Street. Reckon the Jag doesn't have the ground clearence to get over the parapet.

Abandon car on North Bridge and nip down the "Scotsman" steps?

This going to be an interesting race. Even with no major traffic or rail infrastructure issues there won't be much in it timewise.

Bit late to suggest it now, but I would have been good to have a live-cam running on BBC "red button" today. Driver view from both the Jag and Tornado for the full route.

 

[glynn80]

Passed Colton Junc. at 1032, 4 down.

 

[LilLoaf]

So from that i GUESS York 1040, Darlo 1120 Newcastle 1215 (maybe later if stops Tyne Yard for water.

I'm going to try and see it at Newcastle if i can.

 

[mumrar]

The chances are the usual entertainment factor will end up with Clarkson driving a car built the same year as the A1 class (not 2008).
So chances are this car will probs on cruise at 100MPH and considering Tornado will have a clear path 90MPH will probably make it an even race.


Let's be honest everyone the railways have become a little to Hum drum so I say LET THE RACE BEGIN.
You never know they might let her try beat Mallards record next (doubtful)

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The chances are the usual entertainment factor will end up with Clarkson driving a car built the same year as the A1 class (not 2008).
So chances are this car will probs on cruise at 100MPH

The original Peppercorn A1s were built in 1948 so that means either a Jaguar Mk IV or an XK120. The most powerful Mk IV does a top of 90mph, the XK a top of 120mph, hence the name. So cruising speed won't be 100, even if they would do it in a 61 year old car. Would be fun if they did though, cos traffic would really mess it up.

 

[90019]

I think I'll enquire at Waverley later on, probably around 1, and see if I can find out when it's due in.