WCME/CME 2024

Thanks David. I wonder what those numbers will look like for 2024. Both the absolutes and the unassisted steam ratio (50% in 2023).

 

Will be interesting to see if the Pathfinder trip on 24 Feb runs without assistance as CME's usually but not always do. That Riviera set definitely has a genny car so diesel won't be needed for ETH. I guess it will come down to the loading of the train and confidence in Tangmere's capability?

 

Mmm, steam on aircons....... Won't matter which way round standard class is as you won't hear the loco from the 1st coach

 

The punters normally don’t care and at least it’s running ffs .

 

Indeed, I am one of the paying punters on that Pathfinder tour and am delighted it is running. I would much prefer it run with Mk2s then get cancelled. Besides, in the middle of February, it'll probably be too cold to open the windows anyway. So even if it was the Mk1s, the windows would be shut.

 

Have you done a winter steam tour in Germany? Windows open even when it's freezing. Great fun and ample Glühwein to keep Jack Frost at bay.

 

In my experience of steam heat, you need windows open!

 

I used to do a fair few steam tours but bit by bit the rule changes have made them far less attractive and the thought of travelling in a coffin doesn't persuade me to part with my money. Off to the Dresden Steam Festival in April to get some old fashioned steam haulage in. Opening windows and the opportunity to get a face full of smoke and have your ear drums assaulted by the thrash up front.

 

Good for you, hope you enjoy your day out!! The people who buy the tickets are the most important people in all mainline railtours, well done!!!

 

Ah yes, at least you'll still be able to get your photos and video

 

I would have thought those who help support such as the MNLPS and 35028 and sometimes photograph from the lineside, rather than buy a ticket to travel on the trains that loco hauls, also have quite a degree of importance too.

 

I agree, the Bahamas Group, A1LST, PRCLT and MN groups must all be wondering what the future holds.

 

Well done to WCRC and Pathfinder to run with Tangmere and the Riviera stock on 24 Feb. (If it runs without a diesel on the back it will tick every box except opening windows). In the light of seemingly no other options is it reasonable to assume that the same combo will operate the WCME on 27 Jan?

On 10 Feb RTC have two trips advertised; a WCME and the Bath and Gloucester Steam Express - mmm???! Also two trips on 24 Feb; the aforementioned Pathfinder and an RTC White Rose - mmm (again).

Whatever happens WCRC's next hurdle is on 15 Mar with a Northern Belle (diesel hauled trip) to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. I don't think the "punters" will be expecting a rake of "Blue and Greys" and a packed lunch. Next, the morning Jacobite starts on 28 Mar with afternoon trains kicking in on 06 May. This is in addition to several early season trips in various parts of the country.

I hope that, even at this late stage, WCRC and ORR can agree a solution that avoids the disappointment and loss of revenue resulting from cancellations and postponements.

[Without wishing to "teach my grandmother to suck eggs" I hope that WCRC now have a written risk assessment for the operation of hinged door rolling stock together with a written procedure for the operation of CDL (including CDL becoming faulty), that staff are suitably trained and that training records are available for inspection. From experience (in a former life) I know it's a faff, and keeping it up-to-date is at least as big a faff, but that is what the law now requires. I am sure that Miss Teri Shopper of the ORR will be on board for several trips.]

 

We are

 

Hopefully this is a positive for the train running on Saturday. The 1Z86 and 87 times have appeared over the weekend.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...7/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Andrew

 

Ticket has just arrived 34067 is booked to be in the front. No mention of what it is hauling.

Andrew

 

One would assume that its going to be air braked if 34067 is being used. Looking at RTT the only ECS moves showing at Southall are the normal ones in the WTT each day fromm Carnforth, no idea where the stock they are hiring is at the moment butb will assume that will make an appearance at Southall sometime this week?

 

Same here...

 

The thing to keep an eye on will be if an ECS move appears from Burton-on-Trent to the London area later in the week.
Anyway, mystic 33056 is predicting the Northern Belle set to appear on Saturday (waits to be proved wrong!)

 

So you think they have CDL'd it already? I agree that's priority number one or two.