THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS 11/6 Paddington-Shrewsbury

Yet more steam disappointment, Bittern has been taken off this trip to be replaced by the King, not a bad swap but the steam section has now been reduced to Bristol -Shrewsbury-Bristol.

 

That's a massive reduction in steam mileage considering it was going to be steam all the way from Paddington. Especially as it cost £85. I think there will be a lot of disappointed people as SD states there are only 2 places left on the tour. I wonder how many will cancel? Not to mention it is now a tour us "Thames Valleyers" won't see.

 

I don't think the arrangements for this trip have been completely finalised just yet. Best to wait a bit .....

David

 

I'm none to impressed as I am booked on it. A 200 mile hit on the steam mileage is a big one to take, I know these things happen but to change the tour so significantly two weeks before it runs is not really very good.

 

Looks like it is confirmed on the SD website here under "your route".

http://www.steamdreams.com/Executab...r=71420&Route=1&Adults=2&Children=0&Infants=0

 

Unfortunately it is only just over a week away. Not sure when it was actually changed though. I assume all the intending passengers have been informed.

 

I haven't nor has my uncle, I only found out as I had the SD email today about other tours and had a look at their web site.

 

I am booked on this trip and I am not surprised. I have been the same route before with Past Time and it was Diesel to Bristol then Steam to Shrewsbury.
8.04 departure from Paddington and 23.32 return shown on the website which look like actual timings. 6 hours 40 min out, 6 hours back, a long pathing stop on the way?

 

That's pretty disgusting, were they thinking people would just turn up & not notice? I expect the idea was not to inform people too soon so they couldn't cancel. Thank god I wasn't booked on this & found a diesel pulling into Reading. I might of done something I might regret.

 

I agree this is a poor do, and not what I've come to expect from Steam Dreams, who have always seemed to treat their customers well.

Is something wrong with 4492, by the way? Why the change?

 

Maybe the water stops are still included for the diesel section?...

 

Let's wait and see...

 

As I said in post #5 it seems be confirmed on the SD website.

 

When I looked at the website site late Tuesday afternoon Bittern was still rostered for this trip ( but not the Ely trip )and the timings were still the outline ones.
If timinings have been agreed, I would expect tickets and letter will be sent or emailed out today.
Since the 2 previously rostered loco's have a greater water capacity, the possible addtional water stops if the King done the entire trip would have made it a very long day and passengers using public transport might have had to cancel. There is also the issue of whether the King's support crew were available at short notice for light engine moves.

 

Do we know that steam is going on at Bristol? Although 6024 is based at Bristol, it would be good if the king could do the whole tour.

 

Yes

http://www.steamdreams.co.uk/Execut...r=71420&Route=1&Adults=2&Children=0&Infants=0

 

Thanks

 

Well one most hope there is a full and frank explanation from Steam Dreams as to what has brought this about. I cannot recall a trip that has lost so many steam miles. If it is a problem with 4492 [60019] then my belief is the train shoud be postponed until what has been advertised can be delivered. If it is a pathing issue then this should have been discovered long ago not when the train is effectively a sell out.

 

Just received tickets by email. SD don't say why 60019 not available. 6024 goes on at Bristol Parkway.

 

I thought 6024 had the mega-water carrier ?