The Cristmas White Rose (ECML) 17/12/2011

Could WCRC be on the naughty step, after the lineside fires, or are they being forced by NR to pay even higher premiums in case of delays???
That could be a reason for the shoving on 4492 up the ECML. Either way it is totally unsatisfactory situation.
Think of all of those normal people on the train feeling shortchanged as the fairy on the tree is pushed by a diesel.

 

I kind of wish the brit had the honors southbound as well.

 

Having read everything it does seem a strange state of affairs. The recent Steam Dreams trip doesn't appear to have a diesel with Tornado looking at YouTube but did have one south of Peterborough I think.

This trip isn't really on the East Coast as its via Lincoln both ways and has two diesels and no water stops someone has said.

All rather confusing and you feel sorry for the paying public of course.

Stephen

 

Afraid you were mis-informed, Ian. This train was planned specifically to run with the second tender; a recurring bearing problem with said vehicle forced its withdrawal from the operation, earlier this week, and, hence, the consequential double-heading with the diesel.

Not an outcome that anyone would have taken given the choice but, in view of the short notice, the only viable option, short of diesel-haulage or outright cancellation. No doubt, though, the armchair experts on this forum would have done it differently.

 

Ditto that Ralph - James does the industry credit with his openness.

 

Any more news regarding timings for this trip?

 

Just recieved my ticket for the trip, the departure timings as quoted on RTC's webpage for this trip are the actual ones. The letter also states that the return journey may either be 4492 or 70013 so we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens. I did see it mentioned on a video of yesterdays tour that 4492 suffered a broken front spring which prevented it from returning to Ely. Any truth in this?

 

Yes 4492 was taken off the train at York due to a broken spring but only after that was the trip advertised as having 70013 only on the outward journey rather than out and back so perhaps they felt they could fix it in time.

 

Appears not. Seems 70013 is working north before being going to GCR by low loader. So to save on a light engine move 4492 stayed up there. Timings for tomorrow show water stops at Holme and Babworth loop on the outward, Retford and Connington on the return. Timings also state "West Coast diesel to assist throughout". Whether that means the occasional push from the rear or tucked inside like Thursday I don't know.

 

Thanks 5944, will have to see what happens during the day. Slightly disappointed now!

 

Timings on uksteam. t1217e.htm

By the way can you see locos being serviced from within the public areas of the NRM? Have never been when there's been an excursion running in before.

 

yes you can they are normalily in the south yard.

 

UK Steam says diesel at rear.

 

Thanks Mark

 

Down slow Hitchin 08.14, no diesel.

 

Olly's on her own then ! ....on rhe ECML !?

 

70013 reported through Biggleswade at 08:23. <BJ>

 

No diesel? Yipppeeeeee! Christmas has definitely come early! Makes it all the more confusing why J. Shuttleworth said that a diesel is a definite addition to the consist. As they say in the wonderful Railway Children film, "EXTRAORDINARY. QUITE EXTRAORDINARY"

No wonder confusion reigns!

Nick

 

UK Steam is wrong then for once

70013 Oliver Cromwell on the Christmas White Rose 17/12/2011 - YouTube

John (thawing out now)