The Cheltenham Flyer

I'm not sure how much relevance headboards have in 2013 other than decorational anyway, Duchess of Sutherland could be going over Shap with the Caledonian headboard, but it's not longer hauling the premier Euston - Glasgow express, it's just there to look good really.

 

Nunney Castle in 2010 did several light engine/support coach moves with a replica "World's Fastest Train" headboard produced by one of the support crew if that counts.

 

I'm not sure if I agree with that at all! We regularly carry a headboard, but it tends to be a genuine one. We don't get headboards made for every train, but if we have an appropriate one in the stable, it will be used.

Inter City, Cathedrals Express, Bristolian, Cornishman, etc etc.

As for May 11th - WAIT AND SEE!

 

Anyone know whether D1015 will be hauling the diesel legs? D1015 now not attending the SVR Western Weekend on 4th - 6th May. http://www.svr.co.uk/SpecialEvents.aspx

 

About to go up on our website:

We are very disappointed that the Diesel Traction Group, the owner / operator of D1015 “Western Champion” have informed us that their locomotive will not be available for this tour. We will be using our own 47-773 (D1755) as a replacement. We are working with DTG to include D1015 on some excursions later on in the year.

 

Shame about the Western, but lets be honest, it was only ever the warm up act for the main event.

 

"Shame about the Western, but lets be honest, it was only ever the warm up act for the main event"

It might be warm up for some....

 

Not on Champions day out in June then Nick ?.

 

Oh sorry, thought you meant 1015 was warm up for steamer!!

yes im on the Mazey Day trip...

 

I did!

I'm on both so not too fussed about the 47.

 

I'm more fussed about the weather! It seems crazy to be saying this after last year's incessant deluges, but I hope this dry weather isn't going to mess this trip up. Rain is forecast for tomorrow, which means 34067 should be OK for Saturday's assault on Sapperton, but there isn't much rain in the forecast after that, and it's meant to be getting quote warm next week. There has been a lot of fresh green growth everywhere recently, which should ensure the lineside isn't quite so tinder-dry as it was on the April 6th Marylebone Flier run, so here's hoping that this special run can go ahead without the need to tuck the 47 in behind 5043, as on the Shap leg of the Scottish trip last year.

 

Oh dear John, you're a bit of a Job's comforter about this I'm afraid. A gent on here on a couple of weeks back was convinced May was forecast to be a wash out! Who would be a main line steam fan eh?

 

I woulden't panic just yet, the forecast gets much less reliable after a few days.

 

Calm down dears. We are talking about The Earl yet again recreating another piece of railway history. And hopefully giving us a bit of excitement too.
Nothing will be allowed to go wrong.

 

OK - I'll admit - I was a bit premature with the fire risk panic! Latest forecast has some rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, but drying up nicely for the weekend. All set for a great day out. I'll be on board rather than linesiding, but I'll bet 5043 will be making a lot more noise than 34067 did this morning on the climb up Sapperton.

 

Anyone know when detailed timings are likely to be available on UKSteam?

 

Sorry, but as things stand it does not look too promising for 5043 running solo on this. Here in the south we haven't had any significant rain for weeks now, only a few odd short showers.
Today's report from the ECML only makes it worse & that was only two locos & two coaches. One loco & a full train, well? Reckon 47773 will be doing more than it's scheduled leg.

 

Take a look at the forecast for this week. There's quite a bit of rain moving in through the week, so the ground shouldn't be too bad...

James at SVN

 

Weather forecast for the Sapperton area:
Showers on Wednesday followed by rain on Thursday.

It's far too early to panic. <BJ>

 

Just seen the forecast for Thursday on ITV, basically everywhere on the route is supposed to get a good soaking at some point.