The Duchess to Carlisle: VT - 12/03/22

Anyone seen any times for the Duchesses trip over the S&C on Saturday. I assume it's still running, there still pushing tickets on Facebook, a post has just popped up.

 

Pick up times and drop-off times have been confirmed on their website only this morning, having been only provisional up to now. There had previously been a message that that actual times would be confirmed '7 to 10 days before the trip'. Still no passing times on RTT though, and no arrival or departure times for Carlisle on the website. They are cutting it fine.

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/settle-carlisle/

 

I want to see it at Carlisle. I’ve only seen the Duchess once and it was in green (which is nice) so I desperately want to see it in red which is my preferred livery.

 

But they are in the hands of NR. One look at RTT for Carlisle shows how tight it is on Saturday. Is P3 actually back in service? Given the timings for the CCE and the UKRT train, plus the arrival time back at Crewe, it looks as though the likeliest window at Carlisle is around 1500 to 1700.

 

I have noticed a change in the description and it looks like 6233 will be taking the train all the way back to Crewe if I have read that correctly

 

Platform 3 was in use on Sunday, but it cannot be used by the Duchess due to gauge clearance issues.

 

Discount code '''47''' please.

 

Thx for the info. When I rang VT yesterday they were still waiting for NR to confirm times.

No central Brum pick up / set down, and not keen on long early and late drives. So booked accomm as close as Tyseley as I could get!

Looking forward to this one.

 

I read that the same way too:

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91059/2022-03-12/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91082/2022-03-12/detailed

 

Appleby way if you want a photo in daylight on the return, dull day forecast.

 

That's got to be an error at Ribblehead and a first !

 

Why? It's waiting at Ribblehead for the 10:58 Carlisle to Leeds service to cross the viaduct.

 

Because its unheard of, granted I've now just seen the 10.58 and can see its genuine !

 

The train won't be waiting in the platform as the signal protecting the single line is in rear of the platform.

 

Either way it ruins the climb. Though the restart will be worth a watch.

 

Upon return at Crewe our diesel locomotive will be attached to haul the train back to Tyseley.

Anyone found the LE paths for the Class 47? Interested to see what it is doing between dropping the consist in Hellifield Goods and rejoining the train in Crewe..

 

The Duchess is heading north in readiness for tomorrow's run.

Just a couple of points, still no path (that I can see) for the diesel to head from Hellifield to Crewe; perhaps being "LE", control are going to find something suitable on the day. I hope that it is nothing more sinister. I wonder what the watering arrangements are at Hellifield, not easy without the co-operation of WCRC and 6233 will need a full tender as she has no other water stops before Carlisle. Having reached Carlisle, the stock is propelled back (having no tail gunner) into A road. It is unusual for operators, other than WC, to carry out this move. Other operators have chosen to use a tail gunner or send a diesel ahead to draw the stock back.

On the return water is taken at Appleby (no discount given for prompt payment) and at Blackburn. At Blackburn, with the loco at the west end of the train, parking for a tanker can be a problem (NR access road/gate or a well used public car park). The alternative is from the hydrant by the loop; in the past this hasn't always been the quickest.

Fingers crossed for a proper Duchess performance and thanks to all the paying passengers who are paying for my entertainment.

 

Brace yourself for bad news.