No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland'. Rugby to Bristol. 3rd Sept.,2015

Sad sad times. I'm not even sure there will be a mainline network to run on when 6024 comes back. Praying and crossing fingers does not seem to be working. I 'm sorry but Im feeling the doom and gloom tonight.

 

You are making a huge assumption and leap of faith that A: NR are capable of thinking of a plan, and B: executing it.

 

Perhaps any 'new builds' should be at 75% of full size, fit anywhere then!!

 

The way its going it may be advisable to ensure that all the Ravenglass and Eskdale fleet receive main line standard overhauls to be available to fill the shortfall in the mainline fleet.

 

do they do mini diesels to go on the back?

 

I'd rather dig a quarry with a spoon, than read all that froth !

 

No Kings, Duchesses or Princess Royal Classes?

 

Premium standard passengers and I expecting a £20 refund, and for me only being 16, it's takes a fair bit of work to earn that £99 for a big 'Steam trip to Bristol'. I would appreciate at least half of that back. This one certainly fell through the floor, tried to enjoy it none-the-less but also, Steam Dreams manager had said over the train intercom on the return that next Thursday's trip may also be affected.

 

Have been told it probably won't be the Duchess.

 

Yep that was some bad timing, seeing the LM service was running late I went over to the other platform to see the Duchess pass.

On the gauging problem - If the loco is out of gauge according to NR then that's one thing. What is far less acceptable is the timing of that decision, so that the passengers only find out the day before or when they board the train. Are NR, WCRC, the tour operator not able to plan ahead and look for alternatives and solutions instead of this 11th hour stuff? At least that is how it appears from the outside.

 

It seems as though joe public(including us) whether we dot our i's and cross are t's.
They should have a manager at network rail who use GWR King class for all heights and widths on every mainline mile on Network Rail.

 

Didn't think that one would fly after this week. Question now is can a suitable steam replacement be found in time ?

 

NR have no excuse here really. after any changes or works they should wizz down with the measurement train to make sure THEIR stuff is in gauge let alone a steam loco, even if its someone moving a sign. To notify that late is just them going "oh whoops, we didn't re measure the route, and if something happens we are for it".

Its all very well them holding people to task over their contractual requirements but surely measurement and gauging has to be under THEIR responsibilities to TOCs...

 

This will ruffle some feathers on here, from 4.00 onwards

 

Not my feathers mate. I love it. Bring on the window boys!

 

Bloody awful noise!!

 

Could do with a decent wind gag though. At Rubgy I noted the platform staff warning people to get their heads back in - not.