| Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 15:10, 27th September 2023 |     |
Coasting towards Heywood Jct on the way to Bath, this afternoon.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Mark A at 18:39, 27th September 2023 | |
Lifted the safety valve on departure from Bath Spa and it stayed lifted for some time, rather masking the exhaust beat from the locomotive.
With a southerly wind, no opportunity for the 'Coal-fired loco exhaust scent' to make its way up the half mile or so from Bath Spa station into Lyncombe Vale as happened once before, finding me as I happened to be waiting in the autumn dusk on the old trackbed there, on the little viaduct just before Combe Down Tunnel - the scent causing an unexpected scalp-tingling, on account of being a once commonplace event there now so rare and so distant.
Mark
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 12:57, 9th December 2024 | |
Braunton passes Sherrington crossing at a very sedate walking pace this morning.
(Postimages used)
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 13:27, 11th December 2024 | |
Passing Norton Bavant at speed - Bath bound.
with competition from the RAF !
[url=https://postimages.org/]
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:15, 12th December 2024 | |
With many thanks for your posting of those excellent images, Clan Line, I've merged those posts here in to this specific topic - for ease of future reference.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 10:53, 13th December 2024 | |
One final shot from Wednesday (and probably this year !)
I noticed from my photos that she didn't seem to be carrying much coal in the tender.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 12:52, 28th August 2025 | |
34046 "Braunton" waits at Temple Meads to take charge of our Saphos excursion to Shrewsbury. (27th Aug)
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:49, 28th August 2025 | |
With thanks again for your posts, Clan Line, I've merged them here into a definitive topic.
CfN.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by JayMac at 17:48, 28th August 2025 | |
Passing Cogload Junction yesterday, 27th August 2025, en route to the West Somerset Railway after completing its railtour duties at Bristol TM.
Fading light and small sensor phone camera, but I just about managed to get a half decent tracking shot.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 19:07, 28th August 2025 | |
With thanks again for your posts, Clan Line, I've merged them here into a definitive topic.
CfN.
CfN.
Chris..........you've confused me now - just where do I put this one
(Taken in 2016 at ??)
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:02, 28th August 2025 | |
Taunton, probably. That was from when she was pretending to be 'Lord Dowding'.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Clan Line at 20:21, 28th August 2025 | |
Taunton, probably. That was from when she was pretending to be 'Lord Dowding'. 
10/10 !
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by JayMac at 20:52, 29th August 2025 | |
Playing around with my phone's AI...
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by eightonedee at 21:01, 29th August 2025 | |
Well done Jaymac. I suggest your agent now tries to sell that image to heritage lines offering "Starlight Express" specials around Christmas for use on their posters!
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by PhilWakely at 08:21, 30th August 2025 | |
I'd love to say this was taken at Bournemouth in 1967 at the end of steam, but 'Lord Dowding' is in too good a condition for that (she was bereft of nameplates after 1966!) - but, no, this was a Dorset Coast Express in November 2016 when Braunton was masquerading as Lord Dowding!
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by grahame at 10:32, 30th August 2025 | |
... 'Lord Dowding' is in too good a condition for that (she was bereft of nameplates after 1966!) ....
Lovely picture - but why do we say "She" when a locomotive has a male name. Or is it because the locomotive was in drag at the time the picture was taken?
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by GBM at 11:18, 30th August 2025 | |
Lovely picture - but why do we say "She" when a locomotive has a male name. Or is it because the locomotive was in drag at the time the picture was taken?
I've always understood that all rail (and road) engines and ships are 'she', regardless of their name
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by bobm at 13:14, 30th August 2025 | |
We have a bus in Swindon named Western Pathfinder.
If she is a she, does that concern a member here with a similar name?
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by PhilWakely at 19:20, 30th August 2025 | |
... 'Lord Dowding' is in too good a condition for that (she was bereft of nameplates after 1966!) ....
Lovely picture - but why do we say "She" when a locomotive has a male name. Or is it because the locomotive was in drag at the time the picture was taken?
Google's AI says this.......
Steam locomotives are often referred to as 'she' due to a long-standing tradition where machines, like ships, are personified as female, reflecting their nurturing and protective roles. This practice is rooted in historical language usage and the emotional connections drivers develop with their locomotives.
Gendering of Steam Locomotives
Steam locomotives are often referred to as "she" due to a combination of historical, cultural, and linguistic factors.
Historical Context
Tradition: The practice of calling ships and locomotives "she" has been a long-standing tradition in maritime and railway culture. This custom likely stems from the idea of ships and locomotives as protectors and nurturers, similar to maternal figures.
Personification: Many engineers and drivers develop a personal connection with their locomotives, treating them as living entities. This emotional bond often leads to the use of female pronouns.
Linguistic Origins
Language Evolution: The word for ship in Latin, "navis," is feminine. This linguistic background has influenced how various cultures refer to ships and, by extension, locomotives.
Cultural Associations: In many cultures, machines like locomotives are seen as powerful yet requiring care and maintenance, traits often associated with femininity.
Modern Perspectives
Debate: While many still refer to locomotives as "she," some argue against gendering inanimate objects, viewing it as outdated or unnecessary. However, the tradition persists in many railway communities.
In summary, steam locomotives are referred to as "she" due to historical traditions, emotional connections, and linguistic influences, although this practice is increasingly debated in modern contexts.
Gendering of Steam Locomotives
Steam locomotives are often referred to as "she" due to a combination of historical, cultural, and linguistic factors.
Historical Context
Tradition: The practice of calling ships and locomotives "she" has been a long-standing tradition in maritime and railway culture. This custom likely stems from the idea of ships and locomotives as protectors and nurturers, similar to maternal figures.
Personification: Many engineers and drivers develop a personal connection with their locomotives, treating them as living entities. This emotional bond often leads to the use of female pronouns.
Linguistic Origins
Language Evolution: The word for ship in Latin, "navis," is feminine. This linguistic background has influenced how various cultures refer to ships and, by extension, locomotives.
Cultural Associations: In many cultures, machines like locomotives are seen as powerful yet requiring care and maintenance, traits often associated with femininity.
Modern Perspectives
Debate: While many still refer to locomotives as "she," some argue against gendering inanimate objects, viewing it as outdated or unnecessary. However, the tradition persists in many railway communities.
In summary, steam locomotives are referred to as "she" due to historical traditions, emotional connections, and linguistic influences, although this practice is increasingly debated in modern contexts.
| Re: Steam engine 34046 'Braunton' - merged posts Posted by Western Pathfinder at 08:00, 31st August 2025 | |
We have a bus in Swindon named Western Pathfinder.
If she is a she, does that concern a member here with a similar name?
not in the slightest Bob,as the vehicle in question is an inanimate object.hower when referring to myself Sir is the accepted form of address Thankyou.If she is a she, does that concern a member here with a similar name?
