Saphos Trains 2020

Bit early for us to venture out. We're still in wait and see mode as the effect of easing the lockdown isn't that clear yet. Hopefully things keep improving and even we over 70s can enjoy our hobby again. The Riviera is tempting on the 2nd August. Fingers crossed pubs and restaurants might be open in the destinations. Failing that it's back to the '80s and '90s before pub food became widely available and taking food, wine and beer out with us.

 

Feels like an eternity since an update such as this was posted:

Times for the first(?) steam tour post lockdown

Crewe - Carlisle
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52010/2020-07-15/detailed

Carlisle - Crewe
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52012/2020-07-15/detailed

 

Third I think? Scarborough Spa Express on 9th July and Dalesman on 14th.

James

 

The first Dalesman is currently advertised as a week earlier on the 7th July on the WCR web site.

 

According to the Railway Herald (MUCH more accurate than RailAdvent...), 70000 and 46100 are heading to the south west this July and August after 70000 hauls the first Fellsman on the 15th July.

46100 will work the English Riviera Express on the 26th July and the 9th August, as well as the double headed Devonian on the 12th August with 70000.

70000 will be on the Pembroke Coast Express, the second English Riviera Express and the Welsh Borders Express.

James

 

Is 60007 involved?

 

I don't think it's even had a steam test yet so I'd assume not, still a while to go yet.

 

Hardly exciting or challenging timings.

 

The first railtour timings that we've seen for over three months and immediately someone moans how unexciting they are. Can you believe it? <BJ>

 

Yes!

 

There are 3 things in life you can guarantee...

- Death
- Taxes
- Complaining on NP about the timings

James

 

Just so greatful to be seeing mainline steam trains running again even if we are running em at 60% capacity and strict health and saftey rules as for the smaller heritage lines lines thats going to require a bit more thought to how tickets and seats within the carriages are organised and the volunteers and paid staff who keep them running every w,end and some midweek.
Davo 56F

 

Actually, on the main climbs 23 mins Hellifield to Blea Moor and 25 mins Appleby to Ais Gill are what you'd expect. I'm sure Tony Jones, Mike and co will put on a show going up there. Just cross fingers there isn't another drought/heatwave.

 

Crewe-Carlisle-Crewe with a Brit or a Scot is pretty good under any circumstances i'd have thought.

 

On 29th May last year The Fellsman was allowed 21mins for the climb from Settle Junction to Blea Moor. Tony Jones had 70000 "well wound up" and did it in 18m 19s; this year the allowance is 18 mins!! So, fewer passengers, some added perspex and oodles of sanitizer - the challenge is there. If not the Brit then a run by 46100 - would this be the first time in preservation? Let's hope that the weather is kind and that the generator car is used rather than a tailgunner - that would start the moans. I am still shielding so will not be on it and probably not out watching - I await reports, photos and videos with added interest.

 

Not sure if NR and Avanti will be too happy if it looks like this at Carlisle on July 15

 

Correct. To date 46100 hasn't been over the S&C in preservation. Which is a bit of a surprise.

 

Probably not the place to debate it, but from my experience of seeing steam on Carlisle Station, 95% of those in that photograph are off the train. I'd imagine that can be managed to some extent by the tour staff?