The Midday Scot 19th March 2016

It's fair to assume that this move was planned well in advance. So how does a gauging issue spring up at the last minute?

 

This has appeared on ELR thread;

Due to the unavailability of crews to move the loco on Network Rail, LMS Stanier Coronation Class 4-6-2 No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' will not be visiting the railway for our Spring Steam Gala. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.

 

One of those things, and I feel sorry for the ELR. It might even suggest that DB were intending to drive it to the ELR, rather than tow it. Let's see what happens over the next few days- it's running it fine, but there's still a week to go before something definite has to emerge. That's no consolation for those who have booked hotels, etc., of course.

 

I'm hearing gauging, not crew availability. Old chestnuts or not, gauging can always be relied upon to throw a spanner int he works.

 

Just for clarification: a traction inspector, driver, fireman, and route conductor were all rostered and en route to Carnforth this morning before being stood down
.

 

Thanks for confirming. Not knowing which route it was supposed to take, presumably it was somewhere between the WCML and Castleton. If it was heading through Man Vic, I'd hazard a guess that its one of the road-over bridges at Moston or Boarshaw Lane. As 46233 steamed to the ELR in October 2013, ballasting or something must have taken place since then.

There seems to have been a long-running gauging issue on this route, as this is one of the reasons why we haven't seen an A4 pass through since c2012. At least we now know there isn't a problem with 46233 not being on DB's books.

 

Interesting, and not really the place for this, but I don't know what to make of it. An ECS move for WCRC's DL trip to Portsmouth on 16 March has appeared on RTT:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52062/2016/03/15/advanced

Not only that, but the whole trip seems to be on the computer:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/HOO/2016/03/16/0200-0159?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt

One would have thought that if WCRC is suspended, then any previous requests for timings would be suspended until further notice? Time will tell, I suppose.

 

Not IF West Coast are suspended. They ARE suspended from operating trains of any sort.

 

Semantics... For if, read are.

 

So here we are 10 days away from the Tour:

46233 is in Carnforth

The Fife Circle and Royal Scot tours are cancelled meaning there is no reason for the loco to stay in Scotland.

Looks like DBS can operate the Duchess.

Rumours are that times of the tour are subject to change indicating that 46233 could be on duty both ways.

Maybe steam on at Preston instead of Carnforth to allow for a head of steam to be built up before Shap? Off at Carnforth on return leg.

Passengers not knowing times means that they cannot book advance tickets or hotels, or they have done and they could be worthless.

Tickets still being sold and all classes are available. What will the load be?

So many unknowns and no words from RTC.

 

Someone might like to tell the ELR as it is still all over their social media that this was a crewing issue?

 

If that was the case the engine must have been in steam and had it's fitness to run exam, who pays for the 4 men .

 

I should think DL from Vic to Preston would be likely if the scenario above occurs.

 

I am not sure who is responsible for the gauging, would it be DBS or NR - how far in advance is the process completed, would WCRC been required to make the application prior to suspension if they thought they were to be the TOC?

 

As we saw last year, DL tours are easier to sub-contract to another TOC than steam. I guess that's what is happening here. I expect the tour will use WCRC coaches (though the replacement TOC may want different inspection arrangements?), and might even use a WCRC loco. As I read the ORR letter, the issues causing the prohibition are all concerned with Operations, not the rolling stock hire part of the business.

 

Indeed. Indeed.

 

So to recap, might it be the case that WCRC can still directly apply to NR for paths on the proviso that another contractor resources them?

 

A good question but surely they can only make an application under their own Safety Case. Logically the 'other' TOC would have to make the application; but who knows...?