Shakespeare Express 2010

The first run is just a couple of weeks off now, is there any chance of 70013 being ready for this? There's no recent update on the 5305la website..

 

Would this thread not be better in the Mainline section ?

I think 70013 is hoped for but there are contigency plans

Anyone know if we are likely to see the different loco''s each week as per last year or will Rood Ashton reclaim 'her' working ?.

 

As far as I know no decision has been made as yet regarding the first Shakespeare of the season. As soon as I find out which loco is working on each weekend I will let you know.
As David says maybe this thread could be moved to the 'Whats Going On' section.

 

According to the website 4965 will haul most trains in the 2010 season.

 

At present 5043 is down to pull the first train of the season. If there's a change of plan I'll let you know.

 

According to the latest SR 70013 has had to have surgery on the firebox (welding not possible) and won't be ready until end of July / August.

 

It's also being taken from Loughborough to Crewe to have the firebox work done then returning to Loughborough to be re-assembled. When complete it will go back to Southall to be re-united with its tender. Hopefully on course to re-appear in July or August as stated above. I think they are using copper sheet left over from 4472.

 

Thanks for the info' saltydog, have just phoned and booked!

 

Yes indeed, Hogwarts Castle would be a splendid addition to the SSE fleet.

 

Indeed: http://www.train-photos.com/picture/number7187.asp

But in fact it is going to be pretty busy on the "other" SSE this summer: http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/sse/Scarborough_Details.html

 

I see that on VT's website they say 4965 is down for the first two trains of the season. Yet I was given to understand on Wednesday that it would be 5043 on the first one.
I'll check this out tomorrow. Sorry if my info was wrong.

 

Any chance of 9600 hauling one of these at some point ?

 

I would have thought that unlikely as the SE has 60mph path so I think it would struggle between Hatton North and Birmingham

 

I can confirm that 5043 is definitely down for July 4 and 4965 July 11.

 

Thanks for the info' might have to book for the second weekend as well now!

 

And were off and running....5043 running to time tender first down to Stratford, im pleased to report load 8 and NO Diesel assistance, Saltydog seemingly enjoying the footplate.

 

A couple of pics from the first day of running if anyones interested: http://david1984.fotopic.net/c1868022.html

 

Heres a video of 5043 roaring through Dorridge and Lapworth today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xAnNdNkHzw