Saphos Trains 2020

Oh dear a DL on the back. Will Saphos ever run DL free again?

 

They do on the Lakelanders and Fellsman tours

 

FFS

 

Seen passing Flint this morning...

 

Approaching the outskirts of Chester near Waverton.


Cheers,

 

Just out of interest do we know if the train was fully booked because lots of people wanted an afternoon in Holyhead, or bearing in mind the events of 23:00 last evening is this another "Brexit Express" that has many guests invited by Mr H?
His train of course I do not see it as a problem if that is the case, destinations even seem a little comparable!

 

There could be problems ahead if it is.

50% will probably vote in favour of it being a really good day out and the other 50% will decide that it wasn't because the train was diesel hauled on the return. <BJ>

 

Sounds like there has been a problem and diesel only hauled on the return. Points failure at Valley has been suggested, so maybe 45231 could not be turned?

 

From a couple of posts on 'Faceache', that would appear to be the explanation.

 

A disappointing day for the passengers, support crew and organisers.
45231 is now returning to Crewe. <BJ>
https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train/?c=86044&d=01/02/2020

 

45231 approaching Conwy Castle 01 02 2020.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25640353@N05/49473716223/in/dateposted-friend/

 

No Generator Car but still 11 'blood and custard' carriages. Still the 4 Mk2s but now 6 Mk1s at the rear of the train on the photo above.

 

I wonder if this will become a recurring problem for North Wales steam? The Valley flasks finished towards the end of last summer, so the points likely don't get their thrice weekly workout anymore.

 

Careful with that thought, as the bill may just end up being passed back to the operators? I suspect that the only use for the triangle now is the turning of steam locos, so inevitably the cost of upkeep is going to fall back on the tour operators.

I seem to remember that the local council paid something towards the Valley facility to encourage tourism, back when the "North Wales Coast Express" was a regular occurrence. Perhaps they could be persuaded to contribute again, if they haven't maintained some support, although I'm not sure current levels of steam tours justify much input? Otherwise, I could see a situation where the points just get severed, particularly if the new Wylfa Power Station doesn't get the go-ahead.

 

Can't see a separate thread for the Pennine Peaks & Valleys Explorer tomorrow. Is it still a runner with Royal Scot on the front?
Hopefully going out to see it if the weather doesn't put me off.

 

Yep

 

Hope there is a plan B in readiness for departure from Carnforth in case the line to Settle jnc is flooded as last week

 

Fingers crossed...I live in the Calder Valley and have been helping bale out a flooded workshop...looks It might be ditto tomorrow..