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RTC 2022

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by 1020 Shireman, Nov 12, 2021.

  1. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    There will be steam at Threlkeld next weekend, for the narrow minded amongst us!
     
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  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I know it's all unavoidable but your worst nightmare is to book a steam charter, discover that it will be diesel hauled and then spend your journey sitting in loops waiting for time at the water stops you don't now need.

    At least on the WSR trip yesterday the Theale Loop stop was missed out and the train sat in Reading waiting for its path giving passengers the opportunity of stretching their legs.
     
  3. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Agreed. The thought of a diesel charter taking 5 hrs, 17 mins to travel from Padd to Norton Fitzwarren would send me into meltdown. <BJ>
     
  4. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    When the last Pendle Dalesman ended up diesel hauled due to the problems with BIL, the departure from Carlisle was put back by one hour and the Hellifield water stop omitted. Passengers then got a decent time in Carlisle but still got to their station at the due time on the return. So it can be done with a little cooperation from NR.
     
  5. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    Not always though Ralph, I have been on tours where we asked to have water stop time removed and NR have said no. After all the track circuit issues during the End of Southern Steam we asked if we could put departure back as it was obvious we would not meet the booked time, and the passengers get more than 60 minutes in Weymouth, but the answer was no, so the passengers had to spend 45 minutes on the platform waiting for the stock to arrive.
    I have also been on a CME where we arrived about 20 early at one of the southerly drop off points ( I will not mention which) and despite telling the staff we were drop off only they refused to despatch the train until booked time.
    I know NR do help but often the do nothing option is easier.
     
  6. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    I do agree that there have been problems at Warrington when heading back to Crewe. Sit and wait for due time then get held at Weaver junction for the stopper to run in front of us, the logic of that beggars belief especially when P12 at Crewe is sitting empty.
     
  7. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    I understand passengers were asked to stay on the train at Reading as they hoped to leave early.
     
  8. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Timings are now available for the Royal Duchy railtour on Sunday (31st). A light engine diesel is rostered between Bristol and Plymouth and then again on the return.

    Due to the fact that apart from a localised light shower in the next 7 days the chance of this train running with steam is about 1%.
    I would be very pleased to be proved wrong. <BJ>
     
  9. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    Not even show pony steam. The timings are for diesel haulage. Arrival into PLY at 1149 and then into Par at 1312, best part of an hour earlier. There are no moves to turn a locomotive at PLY and nothing between PLY and PAR in the afternoon. Bit of a giveaway on the return. Depart PAR at 1605; arrival back into BTM at 2106.
     
  10. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    I agree it will be diesel but RTT has the speed changing at Plymouth both ways and OTT shows water stops at Tiverton Loop outbound and Exeter on return. So I guess steam times.
    Is this not the turning move? I also thought these days it was just stem to Plymouth and back?
    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66303/2022-07-31/detailed
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2022
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  11. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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    The RTC website states diesel to and from Par for this trip, but the next two states Steam from Par on the return.
     
  12. TheModster

    TheModster Member

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    The last I heard Duchess was taken off of her previous trip (16th Jul Cheshireman) at Rugby because a lineside fire was spotted on the WCML and it was assumed she started it. It was there and then that the Steam Ban was put on and AFAIK she hasn't moved since. Another example is 35018 who is still stuck at Crewe Heritage Centre having been sent there for an overnight stay for a trip she was due to haul from Crewe the following day.

    When was the last time steam was totally banned from Network Rail? The last 'long period' fire risk was in 2018 and all those trips saw the 'Show Pony Steam' in place with a diesel tucked in behind the Steam. They even allowed light engine moves with a diesel towing the steam. A long horrific summer that was but at least the steam was there even if it wasn't doing much. This time however there is a total ban and NR aren't allowing any steam locomotives to even turn a wheel on their metals (under their own power or otherwise), meaning it's doubtful Duchess would've made Sunday's train anyway when she's currently stuck 160 odd miles away, even if they chose to lift the ban the day before.
     
  13. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    Optimistic as water companies down in the south are ramping up the drought in two weeks mantra
     
  14. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    This is the copy of the Ticket Letter. Show Pony Steam apparently.

    The Royal Duchy
    Sunday, 31 July 2022 Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton, Taunton and Exeter St Davids to Plymouth or Par and return.

    We will be steam hauled from Bristol to Plymouth and from Plymouth to Bristol on the return by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland.
    Due to issues with pathing and to allow sufficient time for servicing the locomotive at Plymouth the section from Par to Plymouth will be diesel hauled as well as the originally advertised section from Plymouth to Par. Please accept our sincere apologies for this change.

    Then on the bottom:
    Please be advised that due to the current dry weather conditions this train will be assisted by a diesel locomotive throughout, at the request of our operating company and Network Rail, in conjunction with their policies at times of high fire risk.

    Pity the normal return time from Par, 1740 ish isn't being used. An extra hour in Cornwall would have been good. More time to have a nice long convivial meal and enjoy a few drinks and a walk before going back.
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2022
  15. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    There were zonal bans in 2013, another long hot summer. I wonder when this went from being a zonal decision to a national one.

    This is the sort of question where UK Steam comes into its own.
     
  16. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    If the NYMR can run steam between Whitby and Grosmont, is it a national ban? Railway Herald reported last week the ban was LNW region.
     
  17. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    The wording on the letter above is interesting:
    Please be advised that due to the current dry weather conditions this train will be assisted by a diesel locomotive throughout, at the request of our operating company and Network Rail, in conjunction with their policies at times of high fire risk.
    Sort of implies there's no outright steam ban in the south west. Or perhaps its just poorly worded.
     
  18. TheModster

    TheModster Member

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  19. LittleRedTrain

    LittleRedTrain Member

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    Offers a little hope that the West Somerset Steam Express on the 13th might have some steam involvement on the main line!

    Hoping that the drivers strike announced today won't prevent it running (I'm assuming WCRC drivers aren't taking part), however with XC and GWR drivers both striking, anyone trying to join by using public transport may not have a great time!

    Just glad I have overnight accommodation at the in-laws in Reading.
     
  20. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I don't think its banned in Scotland, they have had a lot of rain, particularly in the Highlands
     

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