A1SLT The Pennine Explorer 5/10/19

Still three weeks to go for this one, but times are already up on RTT for this WCRC (not DBC) job describing the schedule of the outbound leg from Leicester to Carlisle https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55382/2019/10/05/advanced

These timings reveal significant changes to the day’s itinerary compared with A1SLT’s previously – and indeed currently - advertised offer. Principally this is all about changing from an anti-clockwise outing, with Tornado booked from York and running northbound via the ECML and westbound Gateshead-Carlisle on the outward leg, to a Doncaster start for Tornado, running via Hambledon Junctions, Leeds, and the S&C northbound.

It’s probably reasonable to assume that we are therefore not going to get the hoped-for treat of a southbound return run behind Tornado over the S&C, and this, disappointingly, demolishes one of my principal reasons for changing dates, travel plans and commitments from my previous intention to book on the preceding Saturday’s North Briton, which would in all probability have offered all the same benefits as we are now being presented with on the Pennine Explorer.

Not really grounds for a big moan and all that angsty stuff we sometimes see when what has been advertised is in some way changed. Just a bit irritating. And we don’t as yet know what the plan for the return leg is, and how much Tornado mileage we are likely to enjoy compared with the previous week’s plan, where Tornado will be parting with the North Briton at Tyne Yard on the return (or at least, that was the plan as I understood it two months ago when I opted for the Explorer). Carlisle-Tyne Yard – York – Doncaster – “Sheffield outskirts” (currently billed as the drop off point for Tornado) would be very worthwhile mileage given a decent schedule.

But for now, what is a bit more worrying for the outbound leg of the now-clockwise itinerary is the laggardly schedule indicated for the S&C section - 111 minutes, non-stop, for the 76.8 miles from Hellifield to Carlisle!! 41.5 mph average. Hmmm!!

Closer inspection of RTT does indeed indicate that Tornado’s path is virtually nose-to-tail with a preceding Gbrf Drax-New Biggin working. Could this change?? If not, then the Pennine Explorer could go some way to illustrating the true depths of the term “trundle”, as applied to main line steam outings nowadays. Let’s just hope that the reality is very different!

 

I haven't checked back on RTT but from memory the Drax-Newbiggin workings seem to be cancelled more often than not. Hope that happens on the day for you and others to give a chance of a bit better running.

 

In your enthusiasm to be first with the news, you have actually made the wrong assumption. If you had waited until all the timings had been published, you would see that the return working is indeed steam-hauled over the S&C and, moreover, the A1 works the train south as far as Barrow Hill.

The reason for the re-routing of the outward, away from the Tyne Valley, is the lack of paths, due to ECML diversions.

JS

 

Disappointing not to be doing the ECML and Tyne Valley but there we are, stuff happens. Actually 87 mins from Hellifield to Howe and Cos is a standard schedule and no doubt we are hanging about waiting for Carlisle P3 where the Shieldmuir--Warrington is due out at 1400.

Since you are on James, is there any update on the works at Hellifield to make the DGL available for passenger use again?

 

Point taken. A little less enthusiasm and tendency to assume, and a little more patience needed. So lesson learned. But thank-you anyway for confirming that the hoped-for southbound routing over the S&C is going ahead.

 

Can't please everyone with a change of route!

Work on Hellifield Down Loop is, I understand, planned for November; NR have moved commendably quickly on this one.

JS

 

Looking at Carlisle on 5 Oct between 2 and 4.30, the NR planners and the TOC have done very well to come up with a solution. With the ECML trains added on, that is one busy place.

 

Might need a new thread but times up for this weeks Tornado tour . Can’t see the return leg back down the S&C yet but the A1 trust mentioned a 16-04 departure.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55382/2019/10/05/advanced

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54694/2019/10/05/advanced
Here you go Steve

 

With the additional restriction at Arten Gill, 90 mins Carlisle to Settle Jct looks a good demanding schedule.

 

It will be interesting to see if this one runs with WCR coaching stock. The North Briton on 20th July, although operated by WCR ran with a Riviera rake.

 

Ecs for this trip is coming from Southall so West Coast stock.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54696/2019/10/05/advanced

Dave B

 

Perhaps this means it makes sense for it to be WCR operated. I thought they would use the Riveria rake on both tours but as this starts at Leicester rather than in London it makes more sense for a WCR rake of stock hence its WCR operated.

 

Does the West Coast stock include a generator car?

 

Not normally one on the Southall based sets. Not sure what WCRC may have in the way of generator cars if any but I have never stewarded a train with one. I am sure others will know.

 

You do not need a genny car if the train is steam heated.

Peter