LSL Wales and South West Explorer

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91171/2021-04-02/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91172/2021-04-03/detailed

45231 apparently from Carmarthen to Bristol, looks like it's being dragged south the day before. Trip then heads to Penzance and Kingswear with 37s. 40145 working the ECS back from Euston to Crewe on Wednesday afternoon, as well as Bristol to Wembley as well it appears.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91183/2021-04-07/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91186/2021-04-07/detailed

 

Nothing to suggest 45231 won’t be heading the run along the Central Wales?

 

Looking at the route, it's going via the Heart of Wales

 

RTT link has a Central Wales Line routing.
I assume this is another of these dubious LSL "staff" / route learning trips?

 

So it is, I believe it is another route learning trip

 

Thanks.
But 45231 not likely to be working over the Central/Heart-of Wales line? To me, the RTT details could mean hauling or being dragged, but I have no other source of information.

 

I was thinking it would be working as there's a few stops such as Shrewsbury of around 20 minutes suggesting water?

 

45231 is equipped to traverse the Central Wales. Time is sufficient enough for water stops at Shrewsbury, Knighton and Llandovery.

 

But would those rules apply on a trip classified as "route learning"? Not a rhetorical question, it would be great to know a Black 5 is going over the line again.

 

This trip is actually to see if Jeremy Hosking can operate a toilet flush while in various parts of the country... he just about managed to turn a light switch on while in Scotland, so they're making it more challenging this time.

James

 

Additional timings for the diesel LE/ECS movements on Wed. 7th April. <BJ>

Class 37s
0Z36 10:44 Bristol TM to Crewe HS
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91185/2021-04-07/detailed

Class 40
0Z37 06:10 Crewe HS to Bristol TM
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91182/2021-04-07/detailed

Class 90
0Z38 08:58 Crewe HS to Wembley HS.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91184/2021-04-07/detailed
Attach to rear of 1Z36.

Class 90 top 'n tail Class 40
5Z36 14:55 Euston to Crewe HS
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91186/2021-04-07/detailed

 

I believe 5Z36 is the 40 as the Bristol to Euston leg reverses in Wembley. I suspect 0Z38 is a 47

 

Exactly, some of these comments also indicate why law is put in place rather than guidance. Some people will unfortunately take several miles when offered an inch and will also believe everything printed in papers (or said by politicians). Guidance indicates you don't have to do something, it introduces ambiguity. The Law clarifies.

The UK government message today is still Stay Local and to keep journeys to a minimum, even if the law has no travel restrictions. People will no doubt interpret that how they wish. The English restrictions also prohibit overnight stays until 12th April, unlike Wales, so Welsh holiday businesses should not accept English bookings. This was the focus of media reports. Incidentally, the Welsh Government is also simultaneously being criticised for not reopening quickly enough, whilst also being told we should wait until 12th April to be in line with England. However, thread drift..

I will be popping out for this one, it will be my first steam of 2021. If this is a crew training trip then perhaps we can dream of further steam down the Heart of Wales in the near future!

 

Likewise, although there hasn't exactly been a lot of choice this year. <BJ>

 

Could this be the Black 5 returning from Gloucester to Crewe with service coach?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U91174/2021-04-03/detailed

It leaves Gloucester immediately after the main train arrives from Carmarthen before setting off up the Birmingham mainline.
That seems odd, they normally leave time to check the loco over and water it and the last booked water stop was at Cogan Jct.

 

Removing the steam loco & PO Brake and attaching the diesel means they can be underway as quickly as possible. This may be required to get a good path to Bristol and for platform occupation at Gloucester and minimise consequential alterations to timetabled services. 45231 and PO Brake returning to Crewe are less urgent.
24 minutes at Horton Road Jn should be enough to take 2000 gallons and there is road access through the site of the loco shed.
It's all up to LSL and how they do their detailed planning.

Cheers, Neil

 

Thanks very much Neil for the explanation.