THE SWANAGE BELLE, Thu 16th June

Times from a previous run in May.
Station Depart Return
London Victoria 08:44, 22:05
Staines 09:34, 20:49
Woking 10:06, 20:02
Basingstoke 10:55, 19:30
Swanage 14:00 (Arrive) 16:15 (Depart

Obviously I can't say these times will be the same this time.

 

All very intriguing, perhaps we shall find out in the fullness of time. Sorry to hear that 30777 has been withdrawn from the summer Weymouth pool as she did very well last year. Only hope there are no more problems with availability as there will be a shortfall of locos.

Times given on WRGEN ( ta RS) for return trip via the Laverstock loop and Andover show stop for Water at Basingstoke at 1950 for just over 10 minutes and then set down at Woking at 2032. DH

 

According to the RTC website :

*Due to pathing difficulties, this train is unable to pick up or set down at London Victoria

**Due to operational difficulties, we are unable to stop either at Clapham Junction or Basinstoke.

So if it cannot pick up or set down at Victoria, where does it pick up and set down?

 

I agree somewhat, My family comes first, the job comes second.. way down on the list somewhere is day trips by steam.
However when I can work a gap in my calendar I really want to ensure I use that precious time well.
In my case it came tomorrow... but the tour changed last minute, I dont want to waste that "day pass" I have so I have to "can it" for now and wait another oppourtunity.

I am hoping the evening trip with 48151 is on next week, My stars are aligned, but as many evening trips from London never seem to happen and get canceled on the last minute I'm reluctant to book for the same reasons outlined above. If it's still scheduled next Sunday.. then I'll be rushing to ride on Tuesday... so for me fingers crossed.


Maybe a measure of restoring confidence could be two fold:

1. Reserve your own seat on the train via a website (bonus of selecting where you want, good measure of seeing how full it is)
2. Time based pricing.. I dont mind paying more for a last minute seat... think like airlines the cheap seats sell first with caveats & restrictions, then work up to the expensive, flexible one's sell on the day...

I wouldnt have an issue paying a premium for a "refundable / transferable" ticket if my or the tour's circumstances change, then people paying for the cheap seats have less room to complain. Surely a win win for both passenger and promoter ?

 

The train was supposed to start and finish at London Victoria?

What on earth is going on here?

 

Well its all rather confusing, isn't it ! But I suspect this comment at the RTC website refers to the 14 May Swanage Belle which was changed to run from/to Waterloo instead of Victoria.

David

 

Bryan the RTC website page that 45669 has quoted has not been updated since 31.1.2011 and covers all 3 trip dates. As the times now on uksteam show a departure and arrival for London Victoria I wouldn't worry about a 5 month old webpage.

Dave B

 

Fingers crossed David for those booked on it. Can't see any other explanation! Always best to update web sites to remove out of date info.

Ooops. Must update the Plandampf web site myself very soon! (Pot calling kettle black comes to mind).

 

Had a message it was at Victoria 08.10 with 34067 on front box at back for departure at 08.45........so it should be on it,s way?

 

Thro Clapham 09.05.................

 

...and the Staines area,whistle blowing,throu' stations,near on time.Pouring with rain as forecast.

 

Sun shining oop north...........

 

Tangmere departed the Winchfield water stop 7 min down in torrential rain. Box on back assisting all too vigerously. Announcments on station PA warning of delays "due to flooding in the Winchester area"......

 

Sheeesh........... you seem to be having some rain down there.....hope it don't put the fire out.................

 

Through Winchester about 5 down. Dried up nicely here

Jake

 

Why oh why oh why?? On flat ground. Thought it was only there for hauling the initial return leg. Don't want to go over old ground but once those things are attached there is no telling what they do. This is the main argument. This trip is already pear-shaped with the unexplained last minute change of itinerary.

 

I hate boxes on steam tours just as much as anyone and I'm not saying alastair is lying, but I have noticed that 37516 does seem to make a lot of noise even when it's just idling and I wonder whether this is mis-interpreted by some linesiders.

 

34067 at Winchfield this morning. Only a little gentle help from the 37 getting away but given the track condition, gradient and delayed service waiting to enter the station, not surprising:

 

About 12 minutes late at Winchfield for the water stop. Despite the torrential rain and lack of light, I managed a few pictures and these are now on my Flickr site if anyone would like to see them.

They're in the main Photostream :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/

or you can also see them in the "Main Line Steam" set which is here :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/train-pix/sets/72157626183455363/