Scarborough Spa Express 2013

That would get me to book. I have zero interest in steam/diesel combos and will not be booking until the dry weather abates. I'm not that interested in solo 47 haulage either but a Deltic substitute
would get me reaching for my wallet. I'm booked on a Weymouth Seaside job at the end of the month and if that ends up as a steam/diesel combo or just diesel then I'll be finding something else to do even if it means forfeiting my booking.

 

On the cost front, its hard to get a ride behind a Deltic on the mainline for less than 89 pounds these days so 43 would be an outrageous bargain. IF there was a need to charge a premium an extra 10-15 pounds wouldn't put people off but I just wonder why you ask the question?

 

I don't know Ralph, we did it once (circular tour from Sheffield round the Pennines) it's so long ago that I can't remember the cost, but for a good interesting tour, I'd pay.
At the moment there are no tours planned for 55022 (it's getting bits of work in Scotland). I can't see WCRC hiring it, they've got their own diesels, but I'd bet a shilling their SSE's would be sold out with a Deltic substitute. It'd be a few hours at the seaside for Mr. & Mrs. V

 

But I thought a Class 55 was a fire risk too........ although overhead structures rather than ground vegetation are probably more at risk in the first instance ?

 

WCRC wont hire 55002, or 55022 for that matter, they have there own 47's etc..., and imagine the bill if damage occurs during operation.

As any business they are looking to maximise profit, and if one of their "fleet", has to substitute, that's what you will get....

 

Of course they won't. Just like they've never hired 47798 from NRM and wouldn't hire 47580 from it's owners-remind what's behind 45699 on today's Fellsman.Likewise why hire 45231 today whilst 46115 is at Carnforth and 48151 at NRM?

 

55002 on SSE at SSE prices would be a draw for a day or three if known in advance. Deltics are one of the few diesels Joe Public can associate with. Personally wouldn't mind a WC 33 either.

 

That's their perogative of course, but cutting to the chase, the only time you'll find me behind 47760 is taking me en route to more interesting traction, or something has gone tits up.

It's not anything against WCRC, just that 47's were very much the 66's of their day, got everywhere and quite dull without much noise, a Deltic or Western has some style that appeals.

 

The WCRC diesel fleet is probably a bit stretched ATM, having to provide assistance for all steam tours besides their regular business, so I'm not surprised they have hired in one or two extras.

I can't see WCRC running the SSE with just a diesel, even if it is a Deltic, so long as NR allow them to run steam with assistance. It's probably fair to say that "normal" SSE passengers are not too worried which steam loco is on the front, so long as it's steam. By the same reasoning, they won't appreciate that a Deltic is "special" - certainly not special enough to justify leaving the steam loco behind. After all, if a family just wants to go to Scarborough by train, it's probably quicker and cheaper to take a normal timetabled service. It's the steam loco that makes it "special".

I suppose if things get worse and NR prohibit steam locos altogether, using a Deltic instead of an ordinary 37/47 might attract enough extra passengers to compensate for those who walk away when there's no steam loco. So long as the enthusiasts are kept well away from the normal passengers ;-)

 

Lets think

45231 - just been overhauled at WCRC - maybe using the run on SSE as proving for their work???
48151 - fire starter extra ordinary - probably banned from NR at moment due to fire risk
47798 - was it not returned in a poor mechanical state, from previous threads???
47580 - as stated, maybe spot hired.

They would never hire in a 55, the cost if an engine or generator went on one of their excursions would be eye watering.

 

45231-fine on runs done since overhaul.
48151-it wasn't banned when came from Carnforth on Monday.
47798-don't believe the crap in Pip Dunn monthly. Air tanks need recertifying.
47580-is hired as required ,as was 47798 and 55002 could be, should WC be short of vac braked locos.
What was WCRC York standby for last few months or perhaps KOYLI group don't know as much as you.
Who paid for 55022 PU repairs after it threw a leg out heading up ECML-TOC or owner? Who's paying for 33012 failure after it failed in WC use dragging 2012 convoy to Swanage -WCRC or 71A locomotives?
Failure is the owners risk to repair.

 

48151 - difference in running load 12, to le move over pennines, or do you know something we don't???
Seem to remember KOYLI could not be released from NRM, when it was wanted, is that TOC's responsibility???
And if I were an owner, the TOC, would be responsible for repairs upon failure. They accept the loco as OK by FTR, they break it, they fix it.
Maybe its why the TOC seem to flourish, while the £££ for overhauls and main line steam increase, and become untenable.

Or is that the long term idea, TOC and their locos, independent loco owners forced off due to high costs, and failures..........

 

And that's all fine and good, but one high profile A4 is not going to be overhauled again, as the owner feels all he does is line TOC and promoter pockets, and slowly watches money drain away. He does it for personal enjoyment, there are not many of those about.

I am sure others feel the same, the only way to make money at mainline steam is either be a TOC, with your own stock, or start with a bigger pile than you start with.

Eventually owners will not overhaul again, leaving shortages. The current situation will quickly become untenable.

 

Any photos or news of todays SSE?

 

Not making comment on this particular locomotive but no loco owner makes money out of loco ownership. I suspect we all do it because we love it and subsidise it out of our own pockets and/or ancillary fund raising.

 

Completely agree, but are the people who do this dwindling rapidly, if as I suspect they are, trouble could be ahead.

I am always impressed with individuals who overhaul and run steam, hats off to you and your group!!!

 

Crew BBQ facilities, nothing to worry about.

 

Saw it from a distance departing Wakefield Kirkgate for the steep pull up to Westgate. The 5 leading and getting a decent handful by the sound of the exhaust. Too far away to hear if the 47 was helping.