Leicestershire test run completed for steam locomotive 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

Picture of Michael Holden

Share:

Leicestershire test run completed for steam locomotive 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

Share:

Picture of Michael Holden

Share:

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on test
5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on test // Credit: Jake Bonner

Vintage Trains has confirmed that, after a successful test run, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe has joined the operational fleet.

Last Friday, the GWR ‘Castle’ Class completed a light engine movement to , with its support coach, before heading round the ‘Leicester Circle’ with six coaches and a Class 47 locomotive, making around a 9-coach load in total.

The Leicester Circle is a route designed to test performance of a locomotive up hill and at 75mph for a sustained period of time.

The results from the test run is that 5043 performed perfectly and will double head with 7029 to Didcot on Saturday 4th March 2023.

A ‘ spokesperson said “Last Friday she ran loco and support coach to Stratford with no issues, then took a loaded test train of six coaches and the 47 (about nine coach load) round the Leicester circle, a route designed to test performance up hills and at 75mph for a sustained period. She performed perfectly”

Jake Bonner was out to see both the Light Engine test run as well as the loaded test run, and has produced the following video:

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Not only did I clean her but I also have the chance before the end of steam to be the fireman on this locomotive I was an old oak common cleaner fireman second man haven’t started my railway career in 1953 April memories back to me seeing her what a magnificent job everybody has done 1and when she was going tender first she sounded just like a sewing machine beautiful.

Related Articles