"The Atlantic Coast Express" Sunday 7th.April 2013.

I see there are confirmed times for the ACE on the RTC website does anyone have anymore detailed times and also has 777 been passed to run on the main line?

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Had ticket yesterday. There are five stops on outward (2 pickups at Woking and Basingstoke, 3 pathing/water at Clapham Junction, Winchfield and Salisbury). 'Sir Lamiel' stopping at Gillingham, Salisbury and set-down points for a 23:18 return at Waterloo. Waiting for UKSteam to put something up to see what the nuts and bolts of the day will be.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Got my tickets too - I had to wonder about the "Clapham Junction" stop. It's listed after Salisbury so I'm guessing they mean Yeovil Junction or possibly Chard Junction. They say you can't get out there so I'm guessing it's Chard Jct - the station is long gone but there is a loop there where steam trips have been known to take water before.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

We'll see what happens on the day. I also thought it was a bit stange that we'd be stopping at Clapham for water, so Chard Junction would make a bit more sense. Regardless, looking forward to it, as I've been meaning to 'nail' Honiton for a few years now, but steam was pathed out of the market by the time I was able to do it. Doing this route behind Southern motive power is also a major bonus.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

I'm looking forward to it even though the return time is very late on a Sunday night, well past my last train home. They seem to be leaving it late for 777s test run/ positioning move.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Isn't it on the WSR?

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Yes, it is.

James at SVN

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Times not yet on Realtimes Trains so probably not yet confirmed by NR

Don

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

777 is currently at Bishops Lydeard on the WSR. It was having a software upgrade today !!! It is booked off Bishops Lydeard at 13:45 on Sunday bound for Taunton and Exeter (engine and support coach). I am not aware of any test run beforehand. As far as I can determine, the times for Sunday's train are not yet in TRUST.

David

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Recent westbound steam services have stopped for water in the (old) loop at Chard Jn (quite a long way from Honiton). The new loop at Axminster starts further west.

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

WSR official Twitter reports that 777 will not be leaving the WSR on Sunday at all. Problems?

James at SVN

 

I can report...there is nothing wrong with the engine and the crew were rostered and ready to travel.....

However...it seems someone has been using the wrong measuring stick again at NR

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Thanks for the update.

James at SVN

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Do NR pick up the costs lost due to a gauging cock up ?, people have spent money getting the loco ready, providing a path, crew, fuel etc.

 

So where does that leave us who have spent hard earned cash on this trip? Is there anything else that can take its place?

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

35028...? Nothing else at Southall, not a lot else at Carnforth...

James at SVN

 

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

If 35028 is not available, I suspect the likely outcome is that a diesel will take the return to Yeovil Junction and Tangmere will haul the train back from there.