RTC Paddington to Bath & Cardiff 10/12/19

Cannot see a thread for this tour

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52520/2019-12-10/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52523/2019-12-10/detailed

I guess it is an error that the outward path is a shown as an unactivated Q path when the return is in the system. Reversal at Maindee as seems usual for Cardiff trips these days.

 

Looks like a confirmed path now. Sad that WCR won't use Canton Sidings to stable and service the stock, and turn the Duchess on Maindee Triangle for the return. Saphos do and VT always did. Understand it's down to cost. Pretty sure a Duchess hasn't ever been east of Newport. If that is indeed the case, what an ignominious way for one of the class to reach the Welsh Capital for the first time - dragged into the station by a Class 47. People will think it's failed and having to be towed.

 

So a 50% chance of being stuck at the back all day.

 

I've just received an email from RYTC to confirm that the Duchess will not take charge of the train. It's replaced instead by Tornado. An interesting one to observe the change of choice.

 

Our A1 Group hate diesels on the back.

 

Although I guess you could seriously increase the odds by someone on here telling you which way round the stock is coming back from Lincoln on December 7. Whatever (Dining or Standard) is on the front out of Lincoln should be on the front after the ECS reversal at Hornsey and hence facing west at Southall and on the front for the Cardiff trip.
Only spanner may be if Tornado arrived the wrong way round and the whole train was turned on the Greenford Triangle during the ECS move into Paddington.