VT - Cumbrian Guardsman - 2 March 2013

From the letter sent to the passengers yesterday.


We regret to inform you that No. 46115 “Scots Guardsman” will not be available to haul the train as planned. West Coast Railways notified us yesterday that there is a problem with the locomotive that cannot be fixed in time for our railtour.

We assure you we are as disappointed as yourselves, however, we have been able to secure the use of the iconic loco No. 70000 “Britannia” through the generous assistance of Locomotive Services Ltd. and its General Manager, Richard Corser. Hopefully the provision of this the first of the British Railways standard class locomotives will assuage any disappointment. It is the first time that 70000 has worked for Vintage Trains.

 

Not good for those who specifically booked for a trip behind 46115 but hopefully 70000 will make up for it.

 

Ben, is there any chance of getting a Brit to do a VT tour in it's own right in future as opposed to subbing for 46115 ?, I know 70013 has been down a couple of times before, but decided she didn't fancy it.

 

When was the last time 70000 was on the S&C ?

 

10th of March last year?

Dave B

 

Not that rare then.

 

Certainly saw her on the 3rd March:

Time To Approach | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

In fact there were 2 trains on the S&C on March 10. That is why that date ended up being my favorite day in the Cumbrians.

70000 and 5043+6201
Too bad about Lizzie not making it past Carlisle.

March 2nd this year looks pretty darn good 2 with 60009 and 70000 going over both routes in Opposite directions this time! Again, too bad about 6115.

 

On another thread, I read that Britannia has derailed on the Nene Valley line. I hope that this doesn't affect the rostering next Saturday. To me, Britannia class and the S&C go together like fish and chips.

John

 

Agreed, hope 70000 is fit to run this one, a rare treat up north.
Also implies that 34067 is not completed which would have been a natural deputy for 46115 if available, saving some lengthy le moves for the Brit.

 

I'm told that a further loco change is likely, but I am still waiting for confirmation of this.

David

 

45699? Would be a nice surprise...

 

62005/61994 are both at Bury...

 

What's Bittern doing next week ?.. 2A4's at Carlilse wouldn't be too shabby, could even swap locos at Carlilse and give each tour two different locos... When was the last time that happened to two tours on the same day ?
some how I kind of suspect 70000 will make it.

 

Send for 5043 if its fit to run or a pair of black fives should the load be too much for 1. Or 34067 after all.

 

Update: Britannia has been rerailed and passed fit. It is still in the frame for next Saturday's train, subject to final inspection and weighing.

David

 

Presumably 5043 is unavailable until after it's March test run, it would probably have subbed for 46115 instead of 70000 if it was.

 

UKsteam shows a LE move from the Nene Valley to Hellifield on the 1st. Looks like the loco is overnighting there?

 

Times on Realtime Trains (advance)