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A1SLT The Pennine Explorer 5/10/19

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Where's Mazeppa?, Sep 19, 2019.

  1. Where's Mazeppa?

    Where's Mazeppa? Member

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    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!
     
  2. 68923

    68923 Member

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    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.
     
  3. J Shuttleworth

    J Shuttleworth Member

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    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
     
  4. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    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?
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2019
  5. Where's Mazeppa?

    Where's Mazeppa? Member

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    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.
     
  6. J Shuttleworth

    J Shuttleworth Member

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    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
     
    acorb, John Merry, Mick45305 and 5 others like this.
  7. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    The wider point here is that I realise the absence of UKsteam info and the valuable work of @gwr4090 does leave a bit of a void in the system. However, as I have already said on "What's Going On" if it becomes too cluttered up with trips appearing a long way ahead of the actual event - like in the spring of 2020!!! - what happens is that the imminent trips become lost and cease to be a reference point for those keen to be clear what is actually happening in the next week or so.

    Whilst the Pennine Explorer isn't strictly an example of this misuse, just a little bit of research with the 'organ grinder' - i.e. the A1ST - gives you all you need. Visit https://www.a1steam.com/pennine/

    RTT may always be subject to updates after the initial posting of timings due to later negotiations between the TOC and NR.

    I hope that this illustrates to all why this whole section of Nat Pres continues to be one of the heartbeats of the Forum and little is gained by folk - not talking about @Where's Mazeppa? here - jumping in, posting threads too early or starting a new thread and adding to the list when use of an existing generic title for repeated itineraries can present things better.

    Can I be clear that this is just a personal view that all people may not agree with but as someone who reads the section regularly for my own use and also tries to keep it tidy and relevant, I think I'm entitled to have an opinion. :)
     
  8. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    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.
     
  9. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

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  10. Shep Woolley

    Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

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  11. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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  12. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  13. Groks212

    Groks212 Member

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  14. Sam 60103

    Sam 60103 Member

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    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.
     
  15. NeilL

    NeilL Well-Known Member

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    Does the West Coast stock include a generator car?
     
  16. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    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.
     
  17. torgormaig

    torgormaig Part of the furniture Friend

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

    Peter
     
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  18. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    .....and it works.

    The various TOCs have had all summer to ensure that their steam heating is fully functional with no leaks and I presume that they have also tested that to be the case. Let's see what happens.
     
  19. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    The steam heating has worked on the last couple of trips, when it has been needed, that I have been on.
     
  20. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Nice to know. Let's see how that stands the test of time with a few more train sets especially those that don't live at Carnforth.
     

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