Auld Reekie 3/03/19

Are WCRC operating the tour? Do we know why DBC aren't operating Tornado if that's the case? Would seem to be quite a change of direction....

 

It would be unusual (a first?) for WCRC to be the TOC for a UK-Railtours trip. However, it's not so unlikely that WCRC may be resourcing Tornado's test run. They can be rather more flexible than DBC for this kind of short-notice work. It may also be a good way for A1SLT and WCRC to build a working relationship

 

It's not a UK Railtours trip though, it's an A1SLT trip. UK Railtours are only the booking agent.

Dave B

 

Apparently NR aren't releasing final times for the tour until Tornado has done it's test run. Info from Railway Herald railtourwebsite.

Dave B

 

I can't recall the dates but UKR/Hertfordshire have used WC in the past albeit not recently and cannot recall the dates. London Euston was one of the start points. As stated elsewhere though the trip is A1 steam trust sponsored but supported by UKR who help with publicity and handle bookings.

 

FMR SR seems to suggest that the move to Wensleydale was resourced by WCRC as DB could not resource it, perhaps this is just further of the same.

 

Its been reported that Tornado did not leave Carnforth with its test train (and presumably rolling stock) for the tour and the Carnforth- Doncaster train is being top and tailed by Class 57's http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10630/2019/03/01/advanced

Anyone with any news if Tornado is going to make the tour or not as yet?

 

Stock is for the Peterborough - Carlisle job tomorrow I believe. Onward travel to Peterborough (from Doncaster) in the morning - http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10631/2019/03/02/advanced

Will

 

.....and possibly do whatever reporting is needed to NR, the Trust, the MD at Carnforth etc. And, if Ron Smith is driving all the way, 10 hours today, 6 hours tomorrow and 9-10 hours on Sunday is quite enough.

On the face of it today went well, but tomorrow is another day, and Sunday is suddenly looking like gales. I shall believe for sure it is happening when I see it rounding the curve at Whitehall Jct.

 

A post on the A1ST FB page by Graham Langer says WCRC were doing the test run only at this time. So presumably DBC still doing the railtour Sunday but I suppose we will see on the day.

Dave B

 

Auld Reekie Sun 03 March 2019
Outward times: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55047/2019/03/03/advanced

 

Return times for Alycidon also posted at http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55048/2019/03/03/advanced.

Worth noting a very significant highlight of the return run is the scheduled 90 minute timing from Edinburgh to Newcastle. A quick trawl of the RPS database suggests (but open to challenge) that achievement of this schedule might well yield the fastest-ever timing for a Class 55 non-stop run over this section, requiring as it does an average speed of 83 mph start-to-stop for the 124.45 miles.

For many, if not most, of the participants, this isn't going to be the main event of the day, but it sure will help to keep the interest levels up as you wile away the time over that long return journey through the hours of darkness. Enjoy!!

 

Mandy Grant to the A1 Trust FB page 30 mins ago ;-

‘We are pleased to report that No. 60163 Tornado passed its test run on Friday 1st March, and the subsequent Fitness to Run Exam. We would like to thank West Coast Railway Company for all their assistance in undertaking the operation.

The locomotive is now on the way to Doncaster ahead of the planned run to Edinburgh on ‘The Auld Reekie’ on Sunday 3rd March.’

 

Well its nice to see that WCR and A1ST have buried the hatchet, and maybe the first tentative steps to a working relationship that allows Tornado greater flexibility in routes and dates.

Now about locking WCR and MNPS in a room and see what transpires out of that.....

 

So, after the usual NatPres speculation, we now know that DB will still be operating trains for the Trust as before but that the Trust and West Coast have buried the hatchet as well. That can't be bad.

 

As a loco owner, A1ST is faced with DB shrinking its business (both freight trains run and staff) and other owners such as Blue Peter and 60007 going in with LSL.

A1ST could be faced with remaining as a loco owner with significant control and 60163 being operated by any steam TOC, or going in with LSL and giving up a certain amount of control over their loco.

Just supposing.

 

Anyone spotted Alycidon's moves? Also the meaning of the moves from Waverley Pl 20 to Millerhill and from Craigentinny to Waverley Pl 8 via Gorgie?

Edit--- the move from Leeds Balm Rd to Millerhill taking place now looks plausible for Alycidon, coupled with the move this morning from Barrow Hill to Balm Rd.