Steam Dreams 2022

Thanks. I notice the runs are via Hounslow, on the first day of operation of the line after the Barnes Bridge repairs. I don't know if they are proceeding to plan, so fingers crossed!

 

It's going via Kensington Olympia anyway so even if Barnes Bridge is still closed, it'll be fine going via Hounslow

 

Of course! A senior, err, what's it called again? Moment - that's it!

 

Managed to change my booking on the Christmas Steam Express from the 14th to the 21st very easily over the phone after the option was given on the cancellation email.

 

Keep up with the medication.....

 

An edited video still of 4498 going over Digswell Viaduct this morning.

 

Biggleswade. It was foggy, so it it was perfect for a B&W shot

 

Oh bl**dy hell!! I missed it!

 

I have seen talk of a possible emergency timetable being implemented across NR from 18 December to 2 January (I think). I stress that I have seen nothing confirmed but several TOCs are reporting the possibility. This would see trains in the UK able to run between 0600 and 1830 ONLY. IF this becomes firm, it would mean several more steam runs would disappear, including the evening SD runs.

 

National Railway Enquiries have the up to date list of planned strike dates
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/311341.aspx
Also East Midland Trains are in in dispute 23 &24 December.

Listed on the South Western Railway site is this item
18 December 2022 to 2 January 2023 RMT and TSSA overtime ban
In addition to the strike days above, the RMT and TSSA have notified us that its members have been instructed not to book on for any overtime on these dates.
This also applies to RMT and TSSA members at Network Rail for the same period of time. Customers should expect severe disruption throughout this period.

We expect this decision to have a significant impact on the service levels we can provide throughout these two weeks, so customers should anticipate severe disruption.
We will post further information on this page once we have confirmed what service levels we can provide during this period. Customers intending to travel during this time should check back for updates.

TSSA instructions for the dispute with GWR
https://www.tssa.org.uk/find-your-c...new-action-short-of-strike-in-gwr-in-december

Before adding 3 and 3 together and getting 27 please read the TSSA link carefully. Similar notices will have been issued for other TOC's which are in dispute with TSSA.
No mention of restricted hours, just be prepared for short notice closures and or short notice cancellations.

Cheers, Neil

(Sorry, I've posted some facts which give little room for jumping to wild conclusions.)

 

4498 Sir Nigel Gresley arrives at Lincoln today
View attachment upload_2022-12-2_18-19-1.jpeg

 

Managed to find a well-lit level crossing on the ECML tonight to watch SNG pass - which it did, several minutes up. The 47 at the rear looked immaculate too, but how I wish diesels restored to that livery could have headcode boxes refitted. It'd be the icing on the cake

 

Posting facts on NP? That'll never do

 

My phone video from just north of Huntingdon this morning:-

The train arrived there 10 minutes late, and departed 17 minutes late, delaying the following Horsham to Peterborough working by the same amount.

The 47 on the rear (47805) banked the train away from Huntingdon, and was providing more than a little power...

 

>>(Sorry, I've posted some facts which give little room for jumping to wild conclusions.)

we prefer to use the phrase "Open to interpretation"

 

Held back my footage of yesterdays Lincoln trip just for this. Sir Nigel Gresley and Duchess of Sutherland passing over Digswell Viaduct, about 24 hours between them, both heading to the same destination.

 

Wow, that's dedicated, going all that way to the same spot two days running! Or maybe it's not far for you?

 

Yes, some unfortunate loss of time, especially further north. Was it, I wonder, signals or motive power? I would have guessed not the latter but it's a shame when service trains are significantly delayed by steam runs.

 

It was reasonably far. Two very early morning getups, but worth it for things like this. Had intended to do this location earlier in the year but that never happened. Quite glad it didn't, otherwise I wouldn't have done this. When I saw the timings were practically identical, I couldn't think of anywhere else 'near' to get such a spectacle.

 

I hope you don't mind but I couldn't resist seeing what I could do with that lovely scene with my editing programme. Of course, I'll remove it if you wish. BTW, I always find it disconcerting to see on RTT: "Operated by 98898, etc."!