The Royal Duchy 2016

Just got in and found Email from RTC announcing the cancellation of the 10th July Duchy. No locomotive is the stated reason. Couldn't transfer to the 7th August as it's full. Seats only left on 28th August, 4&11th September.

 

Hi there, just to clarify the planned dates of the Royal Duchy are 7th & 28th August. 4th & 18th September (not 11th). Opportune really as I cannot do 11th Sept.

 

Apologies for error. Knew it was the 18th as we're booked on the last Torbay on the 11th.

 

Just wondering what the latest news is. Has anyone received tickets for 7th Aug yet? Which steam loco is likely to be used? I think the loco currently shown on UKsteam.info, 70013, is very unlikely to be ready.

There's also the question of whether St Blazey turntable will be available. It was not used for GBIX in April. I understand that last year, some valiant souls from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway carried out some maintenance on the mechanism, but I don't know if something similar is possible this year. If not, I guess the steam loco will turn at Plymouth, and a diesel will be needed, presumably on the other end. How might that work? Turn the whole train at Plymouth on the way out and proceed DL-leading to Par? Or steam leading all the way to Par, DL-lead back to Plymouth and turn the train on the return? Or detach the steam loco at Plymouth and turn/service it while the diesel takes the train to Par and back?

If St Blazey TT is available, will the train be assisted this year? I guess that depends on which steam loco is available, and how many seats have been sold...

(Edit: TT was not used during GBIX)

 

Hopefully not Tangmere, no Ray Churchill to coax some good hill climbing out of it anymore.

 

It was confirmed in another thread that work has been carried on the turntable.

 

The turntable is good now I believe. I was hoping it might be 45699/46100 but I think both of those might be wishful thinking. Also 34046 doesn't look likely either...! 60009?!? Or a Riley 5

 

Pete Roberts is still driving, and he drove Tangmere out of Weymouth with 11 on unassited after the diesel caught fire. Pete is ex Nine Elms.

 

That's good to know.

46100 is fully committed in Scotland during August. 46115 is rostered for a Cumbrian Mountain/Coast Express on Aug 6th, so not likely to be available on 7th. 34046 would be on the TBX if she was fit. Riley's Fives are in Fort William.

One of the Jubilees is a possibility, though they would almost certainly need assistance. Personally, I'd like to see 46233, but I doubt she's cleared for the line, especially west of Plymouth. Not sure about 60009 at the moment. She's rostered for the Tweedbank trips next month. Would be a heck of a long way from home for her support crew!

 

I read somewhere that 60009 was taking a trip to Rileys after its commitments at Shildon were complete for further bottom end work?

 

No way for 46233 I think - much as it would be amazing to see it down here!!!

 

Prepare to be amazed. Slight change of Itinerary as well. Watch this space!

 

Hopefully amazed in a good way

 

LMS Pacific it is ......

The Man is CORRECT as usual!!
Sold out I understand

First Duchess into Cornwall??

Ray Mason

 

IMPRESSIVE !!!!.....lucky ticket holders

 

Does this mean the Dutchess could be used on the WSSE following Saturday?

 

This is seriously good news!!

 

Lets just watch this space and hope for the best. No promises..........yet

 

Wow. This could be the trip of the year if it comes off. Even if the Duchess can only squeeze as far as Plymouth, it will still be pretty good. Better take up your spot on Hemerdon a couple of hours earlier than normal! With Tornado on the TBX, it's going to be a bit of a festival. Let's hope for good weather and good coal (and a clear gauging!)

 

Great timing for the passengers but poor timing for me, as I've just returned from Lands End and really don't fancy another M5 Jaunt, but this is one loco we've all wanted to see over the Devon Banks. Fingers Crossed