Winter CME Trips 2018

The opening WCME used to be one of the highlights of the calendar year, now it feels rather bland compared to previous trips ! No doubt this trip will be assisted from the rear !

 

I guess this may only be in the system as an "in case" path, but may imply no diesel assistance on Shap and the S&C?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55496/2018/01/27/advanced

 

Fact sharing, supposition or speculation?

 

I hope that you are correct but suspect that we will have a diesel on the back throughout. It seems likely that this working will replace Leander at the head of the train for the return to Man Vic pl3 (arr 19.08) where it becomes 5Z47, the ECS back to Carnforth (dep 19.13) - only possible if diesel on both ends? - unless there is a run round at Thorpe Bridge Jn?

 

There are objects called "points" controlled by a signalman that allows a locomotive to detach from one end then run round a trainset to couple up at the other end; this is known by railwaymen as "reversing the train". I presume this may be the way that the train will operate !

 

Dear me, all I asked of you was whether the scenario you proffered is known to you as, factually, the intended mode of operation or whether it is an informed guess on your part. As the published information is ambiguous there is no other way of knowing, is there?
So I kindly ask again, if you know what the official plan is or whether you are simply speculating? To reiterate I fully understand the speculated mode as a sensible one and simply fail to grasp why the published version differs.

 

@26D_M - but reading your previous brief post, there was ways of asking this which would appear much less confrontational. Or were you being deliberately provocative in your long-standing (and rather tedious) spat with @RalphW?

If this was a school playground, I'd be telling you two that you can't play in the same thread ...

 

So you don't know either then?
Thanks, thats a great help.
If there is a spat, as you put it, the origins are within @RalphW and others tending to call me out when I write something they don't like. Their points are made directly to me in the first instance whereas mine are generalised so its their choice to respond on behalf of others. Not sure why.
In this case Ralph has chastised me for asking why the mode may differ from published. I have a vested interest because its my birthday and an unassisted steam trip through my back yard would be a most attractive ticket. It seems it is 'known' that this will not happen, steam off at Hellifield, yet the ad says different. If the likes of Ralph know the ad is wrong why do they not call it out on behalf of those that may be detrimentally affected?

 

There was insufficient time to run round "in the station" so I incorrectly assumed T&T. However, after my initial post I realised that the return to Carnforth may not be direct, so I checked and discovered the run out to the east and amended my post a few minutes later - but not quickly enough. So these point things, first I've heard about them, do you think that they will catch on?

 

Happy Birthday!

 

Cheers Stuart, I will be sure to make a wish blowing the candles out although have to be careful as its quite some blaze these days
Think RTC and partners might give me a special treat if I travel with them?

 

ECS could come back via Copy Pit, unlikely I suppose. Certainly quieter than threading a way through West Manchester.

Edit* Just seen the ECS move back times, could run round at Thorpes Bridge loop I suppose, plenty of time. Seems a faff when you can just keep going, unless there is engineering work or something.

 

Have a look at 5Z47. Out from Man Vic to Thorpes Bridge Jct. 36 mins to reverse. Back through Man Vic, Eccles and Wigan to Carnforth.

 

Was editing my post as you posted this, cheers. Run round then, be easier to keep going, paths and open railway allowing.

 

Thanks, didn't get the "conventional and purposeful, please" memo everyone else clearly had
Looks like better to wait a week or two to get the Ribble Valley etc leg behind steam?

 

Or @RalphW 's long standing spat with @26D_M . Takes two to tango...

 

Although warned about "playing the victim", I do get a sense there is a bitter and vindictive aspect to some of what is posted at me. I do try to refrain from being accusatory or judgemental of other posters whilst acknowledging being critical of certain practices. Obviously those that wish to call me out are more interested in having a spat than a debate about genuine discussion points.
I do find it somewhat ironic the "Things that wind me up thread" features a whole load of gripes about shoddy business practice, much of which comes from the very same individuals that berate me and others for having the temerity to suggest some tour ads and info errs on the misleading side.