Steam Sounds in Motion: Best of 2016 Part 1
BEST OF 2016 PART 1
Sounds to Thrill, Excite & Entertain
ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN BUY THE ALBUM TRACKS INDIVIDUALLY
ALL TRACKS 50p UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Track 1 - Mid-Hants railway spring steam gala of 2016. 9F 92212 pilots Bulleid Light Pacific 34007 Wadebridge as they depart Ropley hurriedly.
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Track 2 - A passenger train departs Horsted Keynes station on the Bluebell Railway, heading towards Sheffield Park. This train is hauled by LBSCR E4 473.
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Track 3 - February 2016. We are at the Bluebell Railway recording Standard 5 73082 'Camelot'. We join the train as we near the end of a temporary speed restriction departing Horsted Keynes. The driver uses the loco's power to accelarate smartly to Sharpthorne Tunnel. The recording ends soon after leaving the tunnel and passing the former West Hoathley station site.
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Track 4 - Back to the Mid-Hants. Ivatt 2MT Tank 41312 is making one of it's first appearances since returning to steam after a lengthy overhaul. We are positioned at the rear of the passing train in Alton loop. Having eased out of Alton station, the driver opens her up and she comes powering past us heading for 'the alps'.
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Track 5 - We now move to Norfolk. The North Norfolk Railway(NNR) are holding their annual spring gala. One of the visitors was Severn Valley-based Small Prairie 4456. Here she is heard powering away from Weybourne for Holt. The train can be heard for some time picking up speed attacking Kelling Heath bank, with much whistling. As the recoding concludes, the double-headed pair of 31806 & 43106 can be heard departing Weybourne heading towards Sheringham. Listen carefully and you'll also hear the signal returning to danger.
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Track 6 - We remain on the NNR for this next recording. This time we have an on-train recording. Second visitor from the Severn Valley, Ivatt 4MT 43106, departs Weybourne. After pulling away nicely, the driver eases off to negotiate the pointwork. Once clear, we accelarate in some style towards Kelling Heath summit! The whistle is for the crossing where the gradient eases.
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Track 7 - Earlier that same day we recorded the railways resident Y14 564 for use on our GER Y14/LNER J15 locomotive pack. Listen to an on-train recording, tender-first, as we depart Holt for Weybourne. The recording begins with the brake pump running. We stay with the recording until soon after the driver shuts off power completely at the summit.
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Track 8 - We now take up a position on Kelling Heath platform on the NNR, as 41306 & 31806 accelerate past our recording position, climbing towards Holt. As the pair of locos pass by, note the distinct difference in driving wheel size between the two locos. The recording concludes with the Ivatt 4MT's whistle for the crossing.
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Track 9 - Y14 564 again, this time from the lineside. The train is departing Weybourne heading for Holt, passing the picnic area/viewing sight. The recording fades soon after the last coach passes.
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Track 10 - From the same location, Ivatt 4 43106 departs Weybourne. The recording begins with the sound of the signal dropping. After a very short toot on the whistle, the 'Ivatt' make a great sound accelerating away up Kelling Heath bank, towards Holt. Note the echo back to our recording location. Also, listen out for the signal returning to danger. As the sound fades into the distance, bird song can be heard. It's all those additional sounds which make a steam sound recording special.
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Track 11 - We're now back at the Mid-Hants. 92212 is running round it's train at Alresford. The recording begins with the sound the 9F moving towards us through the loop. You will also hear a Bulleid whistle in the distance. Wadebridge has just recently departed Alresford with a train for Ropley. With the 9F coasting towards us, snifter valves popping, connecting rods clanking, is she going to stop? No, immediately next to the microphone, the snifter valves close. That loud 'pop' tells you the driver has opened the regulator. The loco accelerates forwards so it can cross over, then drop down onto the train where we are positioned, looking out of the front window. Clonking connecting rods, and the slamming shut of carriage doors bring this recording to a close.
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Track 12 - Now we have a pair of significant recordings - included for that reason. The wind is a slight issue however! We are at our local railway - the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Having only entered traffic a matter of weeks earlier, Ivatt 2MT 41298 is heard passing Deacons bridge, climbing between Smallbrooke Junction & Havenstreet. This recording is taken from on the bridge itself. After passing under the bridge, the train heads for the summit, with bird song again adding to the atmosphere.
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Track 13 - Still on the Isle of Wight, here is a short recording of 41298 again. This time departing Havenstreet heading towards Wootton. That distinctive Ivatt hooter is heard, initially watery, then a full blow as the loco begin to pull away. The recording fades out just as the rear carriage passes out vantage point.
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Track 14 - We return to the NNR for the highlight of our day. A barnstorming climb of Kelling Heath bank behind the two visitors from the Severn Valley.As with the last recording, the big performance really begins after negotiating the pointwork. Once they have done so, boy are you in for a treat!! This recording carries to the summit and beyond. On the approach to Holt, the driver on the Small Prairie plays both whistles. A terrific experience!!
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