2010 Steam Tours

id like to see a trip on the Lickey Incline next year. it has been quite a few years since a trip has gone up or down the famous incline. any tour operators reading this. please bring one back. would be nice to geth tornado up the bank. 1 trip was planned this year but cancelled it. A1 steam or vintage train please arrange a trip.

any one got any thoughts on this?

 

The Tornado trip was cancelled according a Pathfinder quote in Heritage Railway Magazine : - " It became clear that the cost factors were not viable. When we totalled the overall costs involved it was obvious with limited seating, individual ticket prices would be way above what we considered the market would stand".

Key to this was the fact, that the planners insisted that the train had to be limited to eight coaches

 

Bob Meanley from Tysley wrote a very informative posting on here a few months ago, about the difficulties of running tours up the Lickey. Basically, paths are hard to find and loads have to be light or the train has to be double-headed or have diesel assistance. These are not impossible to overcome, but mean that tours will remain rare. On the other hand, their novelty value helps support a higher than normal price, to compensate for the reduced number of seats and/or extra expense of using two locos.

 

That was very sensible. The original plan was for 10, the same as 60163 took over the banks to Plymouth. Having been on that train I think that up the Lickey 10 would absolutely have been too many, no margin for error at all so not acceptable. Disappointing but I think understandable.

 

Im not sure what Pathfinders sums are but other operators can run trains of load 8 and shorter up the Lickey among others although admittedly the profit margin must be minimal.

That 6024 tour a few years ago had the right idea (before it got unexpectedly loops at Bromsgrove) ie takes a reasonable load with a 47/67 tagged on the back, let the loco take a run at the bank with instructions that the diesels not be powered up till speed drops to say 15MPH, would allow the loco to have a go at the bank and provide the insurance desired.

 

Only just noticed this, so apologies for the late reply, but...

Surely, by definition, a passenger survey will be made up of those already on the train. As 34067 has been doing these for some time now, it is unlikely that many on the train will have been there specifically for the loco. So, whilst the majority of passengers on the trains in question will have no preference, it seems a bit short sighted to ignore the potential passengers who would book for another loco?

Having said that though, as said above, why change a successful formula?

 

The problem with a set up like this is taking into account the weight of the diesel and resistive drag of traction motors you are basically adding the equivalent of 3 more coaches. This then makes it harder for the steam loco in the first place and then makes it more likely you will need assistance. Taking into account the extra cost of a diesel for the day with the price of fuel at the moment I'd say you would be better off just taking a manageble trainload up there with just the steamer.

 

Exactly.
And the people best placed to do it are at Tyseley. Unlike Pathfinder, they have their own stock and locos which considerably reduces the outgoings. Likewise there's no need to pay for ECS and loco moves.
They've even got suitable motive power should a banker be required!
Next year then?

 

I would agree with that but how many tours have gon up unaided (ie not doubleheaded or banked) ?, i can only think of two and 5690 was originally planned to be banked, that said no reason not to have a steam banker if you can afford the extra costs.

 

With regard to the charter tours running through southampton next year, I believe from watching the news that it is to be shut down because of lots of renewing that has to be done, only 1 track will be operational through it. This will probably be very busy with normal commercial traffic. It is the tunnel outside So'ton central station.

Of course I may have got the wrong tunnel.

 

Restricted working through the tunnel lasts from 30 November 2009 to 10 January 2010, with another period around Xmas 2010. Outsde these periods, there should be normal working.

The restrictions on railtours through Reading once the station rebuilding gets underway are likely to have a much bigger impact.

David

 

Remember that there will be quite a few weekend possessions during 2010 for W10 clearance work between Southcote Jn and Southampton. From memory the track has to be lowered through 5 tunnels and a number of road overbridges. Most of the Steam Dreams and RTC proposals are for weekday running so should not be affected.

The Reading redevelopment will probably have a higher impact on charter train operations in the short term.

Please don't knock the fact that there is the commitment to invest in the railway industry. Just remember what it was like when HM Treasury held the purse strings and every investment felt like it was offset against cuts elsewhere. Any investments were the cheapest method possible and much of the electrification of the 1980's is being redone because it was done for the minimum price and flexibility.

Cheers, Neil

 

Neil,

As you're no doubt aware, its not just the electrification from the 1980s that is being redone. Much of the infrastructure and rolling stock from the era of the "business led railway" has shown how much it was done to a price and is now being reengineered at great expense.

Incidently, once the W10 work is completed on the direct route between Worting Junction and Southampton, work starts on the diversionary route via the Laverstock Loop.

John.

 

John,

The next stage (which hasn't been finally approved) is W10 clearance from Salisbury via Westbury and Chippenham to Didcot N Jn and Didcot E Jn. Much of that will be done by default as part of the GWML electrification.

The power supply upgrades are still continuing. Not with a fanfare, but in the background under the cover of ELL extension, Thameslink enhancement or longer trains on suburban routes. At least the money is being spent on work which will hopefully last as well as the Kent Coast electrification.

Regards, Neil

 

Steam Dreams are reportedly running "The Cornish Riviera" 26 -28 June 2010, as their contribution to GWR 175 which is to be steam hauled all the way from Paddington to Penzance and return and using 6024 + 5029 west of Exeter. Does anyone know if the bridge clearance at Hayle, which has prevented both these locos running west of there in recent times, has now been removed..

 

Re all the talk about Tangmere earlier on this thread.

Lovely to see that loco is now scheduled for steam tours up to 26 May next year at least.

Which must show her main line ticket HAS been extended. But anyone know until when?

I ask because I'm an SR man through and through and will never get bored of seeing 34067 in action. And also as I plan to ride more trains next year. With 34067 and 35028 the main candidates at present, (until 34046 gets out and about).

 

Personally, I can't get enough Tangmere on the main line............and it is a very apt loco to have in the south, plus it is what the ex S.R. drivers are used to......they seem to handle her very well, no denying that, eh?

 

Steams Dreams dates for 2010

Sun 14th Feb Wiltshire and Kent Circulars 60163
Mon 1st March - Cardiff ( and Swansea ?)60163
Thur 25th March - Bath and Bristol via Surrey Hill
Fri 23rd April - Warwick and Stratford
Thurs 29th April - Canterbury
Sat 8th May - York
Sat 15th May - Mon 17th may - Coronation
Note: According to the Railway Herald the middle day is a Circular Edinburgh - Newcastle - Carlisle - Beattock - Edinburgh
Thur 20th May - Doncaster - Settle - Carlisle (with Bittern according to R.H.)
Sat 22nd May - Chester
Thurs 3rd June - York
Thurs 10th June - Bath and Bristol
Thurs 17th June - Nottingham
Sun 20th June - Kent and Hampshire circulars
Sat 26th - Mon 28th Cornish Riviera
Thur 1st July - Cheltenham and Worcester
Fri 9th July - Weymouth
Sun 11th July - Exeter
Thurs 15th July -York
Thurs 22nd July - Canterbury
Thurs 5th Aug - Salisbury, Bath and Bristol
Thurs 12th Aug - Gloucester
Sat 14th Aug - York
Wed 18th Aug - Weymouth
Sun 29th Aug - Cambridge, Ely, and Norwich
Sun 5th Sept -Salisbury and Exeter
Thurs 30th Sept - Newcastle

See Website for Nov. & Dec.

 

bittern on settle and carlisle

yep, read that, hope it goes ahead, look forward to it, an A4 on the settle and carlisle, marvelous.

 

Anyone know if the last CE to Newcastle is going to be steam both ways? I guess they will use either Bittern with two tenders or Tornado if it is an all steam trip.