4464 Bittern - The Capital Streak - 07/12/13

Having missed both her test run and first two public runs at 90mph, I was determined to catch 4464 'Bittern' on her final 90mph run, 'The Capital Streak'. Running up to York from Kings Cross behind a Class 90, Bittern would take over for the run back to the Cross. Along certain sections she would be hitting speeds of up to 90mph, 15mph faster than the usual permitted maximum for mainline steam in the UK. Unfortunately the day didn't quite go to plan, having only seen her at or above 75mph once, but it's still a record of the day nonetheless.
We first see Bittern streaking through Doncaster running in the mid to high 70s, with a long blast from that glorious sounding chime whistle! Moving on we see her passing through Peterborough, unfortunately running a tad slower. I think I was told the reason for the slow run, but I can't remember it. More bad luck in the next shot, as she trundles through St Neots on the slow line, a quick reposition was needed for this! She was originally booked on the fast, but she had been stopped outside Huntingdon to let two late running service trains pass, she was then stuck on the slow line after the driver lost an argument with the signalman!
Despite all this, the next few shots were quite special. As Bittern is seen arriving into Platform 1 at Kings Cross, the first time I've filmed at any of the London termini. After various shots of Bittern, the crowds, and the crew, we see Bittern being taken out of Kings Cross back to Southall, with much whistling from the crew.
And just like that, it was all over.
Filmed on a Panasonic HDC-HS900 with a Panasonic VW-VM2SE microphone,
Enjoy.