Vintage Trains 2023

... Also timings on RTT for the S&C train, including a light loco back from Hellifield
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...023-04-22/0000-2359?stp=VS&show=all&order=wtt

 

This was posted by vintagetrains on WNXX Forum earlier.

"We are currently awaiting confirmation as to the use of 47773 at this time on the Cumbrian Mountaineer on April 22nd. We hope to give more information around Friday 7th.

The train was allocated diesel from Birmingham to Hellifield, for Clun Castle as Hellifield to Appleby and Appleby to Birmingham. However, it would appear there may be a slight amendment to this at this time as there is an extended period at Crewe which would allow the rear diesel to come off the train, run around and proceed forward to Birmingham.

I will endeavour to find out more and revert."

To me, that sounds like 47773 will go on the front at Crewe rather than staying on the rear after Hellifield all the way back to Tyseley.

 

Sounds like VT trying to opt out of watering Clun. The 47 should be kept on the back like advertised.

 

The trip is booked to be diesel Bham-Hellifield with 7029 thereafter. However, we have to have a diesel on the rear over the S&C as required by NR, then we have to get it home. Whilst we plan for 7029 to lead all the way, we have reserved the pathing option to put a diesel on the front from Crewe. Whether we need to do this will depend on the state of the fire. Eastern European coal has a high ash content and, whilst double chimney Castles were redesigned in the 1950s to burn poor coal, there were also good facilities every 30 miles to deal with issues. This is no longer the case. In the event the loco’s fire has too much ash and then burns poorly, by Crewe we may seek to put the diesel on the front as a performance caution on the WCML as we can’t remove the ash. Which diesel remains unchosen and no particular diesel was specified for this trip. We may use our 47 or we may use two Class 20s. If the latter, one may return home after reaching Hellifield

There are a few, but very few, seats remaining so if you seek to travel please don’t delay in booking. We have no current intention to take 7029 up the Settle & Carlisle line again for many years

 

Is this something new for northbound trains over the S&C? The last 2 CMEs coming south haven't been required to have a diesel on the rear. Can't be weather related. Locomotive/Crew unfamiliarity perhaps?

 

It's going to be a busy day at Appleby as there's also a steam-hauled Northern Belle as well. The VT train arrives at 13:01 and then goes to the sidings. The Northern Belle arrives at 13:59 and then goes to the sidings. So both steam locos will be in the sidings at the same time.
Plus, in between the two of them arriving there is a northbound Statesman, which will probably be two Class 47s.
So three charters in the space of an hour, with an added bonus of each of them being operated by a different company.

 

Believe the Northern Belle is diesel hauled - read elsewhere that 34067, WCRC's only airbrake fitted loco, is currently unavailable. Happy to be wrong but I think this is the case.

 

Press Release

immediate release

6th April, 2023




£10 to ride The Shakespeare Express!



· A special limited seat offer of £10 return for the 2023 season

· Available only in Tourist Class on 12.52 pm departure for the round trip from Stratford upon Avon-Birmingham-Stratford upon Avon

· Available only for website bookings (additional booking fee)

· Upgrades for Pullman Sunday lunch available on payment of the difference in fare bookable in advance only not later than one week before travel, subject to availability

· The Shakespeare Express will run on Sundays 16th April, 28th May, 18th June, 16th July to 3rdSeptember (inclusive) and 22nd October

NOTE: on 18th June we plan to run one Castle on the morning train and the other on the afternoon train, so for £10 you can ride behind both (with no diesel assistance) but you had better be quick as there are a very limited number of seats at this price!

 

I’ve just treated myself to a ticket for next Sunday and I must say how simple it was to purchase. I did it all in my phone, paid with Apple Pay and the ticket is already in my virtual wallet. Top marks to VT for making it so user friendly.

 

As someone booked on the Castle Centenarian trip on 13th May, I wonder what effect closure of the line between Didcot and Oxford will have on this trip?

As I understand it, repairs to the subsided Nuneham viaduct are not due to be completed until June at the earliest and the line will remain closed until then. So will the tour be postponed or re-routed? If the latter, a return via the Lickey would be rather entertaining, although maybe this is a special treat that VT were hoping to offer on another forthcoming tour? Double-headed Castles up the Lickey would surely be a first?

Nick M.

 

I asked the chap at VT about the impact on the Minehead tour when I booked my Lickey tickets on Thursday, as it will likely be impacted by the same issue.
Apparently there are discussions taking place next week about what might be possible. I'm sure Michael will update us when something is decided.

 

I had heard somewhere that it was the end of April they were hoping to have the line back open. Whether that is with a weight limit remains to be seen but that would go with what you have heard. I'm sure all will be revealed in the fullness of time

 

June 9 for a temp structure was posted on this thread last evening.
https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/a-perfect-storm.1422137/

 

These images give an idea of the work involved:

https://twitter.com/paulcliftonbbc/status/1643961993517301760?s=61&t=QQ5WWPw4shBIf65_vMgUTQ

https://twitter.com/paulcliftonbbc/status/1644354152779198464?s=61&t=QQ5WWPw4shBIf65_vMgUTQ

 

I for one am keen to hear whether the 13th May will be re-routed or postponed, as there are at least two other things that I could do that day if it is postponed.

 

Of course the “bridge issue” is a bit of a nuisance but Network Rail are working hard on our options which include rerouting. We won’t move the dates unless we have to, but clearly we will have to/may have to change some routes for WME, Whistling Ghost and Red Dragon

 

We do not propose to redate any of our express steam trains. Depending on what actually happens with “the bridge” repairs, we may well reroute as required, but all pick up stations are likely still to be available and others may be added. We will advise passengers direct if and as soon as any changes are agreed with Network Rail. If Mr Mellish wishes to cancel his WME booking he may of course do so within our booking conditions. There are single numbers of seats left in each class on that train

 

No, I don't wish to cancel if the tour is running on the original date on a different route.

 

Interesting that Clun is coming up to Hellifield tomorrow afternoon via a stop (and I assume turn) at Steamtown rather than direct up via Clitheroe?