Scarborough Spa Express 2013

Cheers. At least we don't have the cost etc. of main line operation but irrespective of our individual wealth or lack of it, we're all getting older and come the next overhaul most our current work force will be aged between 50+ and 80+ and I think that will be more of a problem than the money.

 

They do say that the profit is in the last coach, and knowing that you can count on 50 or so regular "enthusiasts" might just make the difference, especially since these folks do travel many times a year. Also, these trains rely on a lot of volunteer labour, such as support crew and stewards. These people do it for the love of trains in general and steam in particular. (Ralph, Saltydog, Shoddy125 and others - do you agree?) RTC, Steam Dreams and others couldn't survive on enthusiasts alone, but they'd have a few problems without them.

Nor should we dismiss the "normal" passengers as just Joe Public who want a ride behind a steam engine. Many of them are quite knowledgeable, even if they don't think of themselves as train enthusiasts. They may have been spotters in their youth, or spent hours pouring over Hornby catalogues and running model trains around the dining room or the attic. Remember how popular the various railway-themed programs on BBC4 and the local TV channels are.

 

Possibly, but that section of joe public would have to be getting on a bit now too, I've seen young parents in their 30's looking for the automatic door opening button on the SVR Teak Set in the past...

 

A better day today in terms of luck and getting some smoke/steam but I have to say the train looked fairly empty, hot day in a Mark 1 coach not having much appeal? The first weeks is usually slow so lets hope for the usual level of pick up next week.

Cheers

Duncan

Burton Salmon


York Loco Images 290613-4965.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

Outwood

York Loco Images 290613-4973.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

Methley Junction

York Loco Images 290613-4978.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

 

Lovely shots, on the Outwood pic the diesel almost blends into the coaches !

 

Like this one a lot.

Added later: I think the colour of the diesel has a lot to do with my liking it. It "fits in" very nicely behind the tender. And doesn't have a great flag painted on it etc etc.

 

I am on this on the 8th August and looking forward to it. I don't get that much chance for mainline steam and this fits perfectly for me to take the kids out for the day, and this year with their Nana in tow as well.
I have been on this for a number of years and my impression is that it is mostly joe public that fill the train, but it is the steam engine that is the real draw. Men, women and children all love a steam engine!

 

I wish James at WCRC would consider a one off SSE say sometime in August with a Deltic. He can have my booking now (table for 2, first class).
It won't happen but we can all dream.

 

I see from UKsteam that 45699 moved to York yesterday. Any sign of her on the SSE today, or is it one of the Black'uns again?

 

Well shes due to run it this week according to UKSteam.

EDIT: Picture on twitter of her at the head of the train, 47760 tucked inside again.

 

Maybe 45231 has been bought by wcr quietly? It was widely publicised that Bert Hitchen was offering it for sale.

 

May be a combination of wanting to do some runs fairly close to Carnforth before heading to Fort William, in case there are any snags remaining after the overhaul, and part "payment in kind" for contract work done by WCRC?

 

I think that's the rationale behind WCRC's livery choice, when others call it drab and dull.

 

Well the last 12 hours of rain have been dampening things nicely here in Yorkshire an dteh climb of Outwood this morning was definitely at least 50/50 steam diesel, a fair old pace through the station! The weather is clearing nicely at the moment so hope for some better shots this evening.


York Loco Images 290613-5489.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

 

Pity about the Big yellow accoutrements.... , boy arent we fussy!

 

Another day, another diesel Shot taken about 25 minutes ago


York Loco Images 290613-5669.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

Hoping there had been enough rain yesterday to ease the ban here in Yorkshire but I guess they need to be conservative. Galatea being shoved hard today. I've really been looking forward to riding behind this engine but just ave to be brutally honest and say whilst the 47 is on it, I see little point as an enthusiast; frustrating for all and WCRC have my sympathy.

The current state of operations can be best summed up by this shot at Howsham last night, smoke just drifting from thr chimney as the fireman sits and has a cuppa!


York Loco Images 290613-5538.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr


York Loco Images 290613-5541.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

 

Well I think I'll be waiting until the rains return as it is becoming a little disheartening chasing a train that clearly is doing no work. Absolutely not the fault of West Coast, but I should imagine the volunteers on train and teh die hard travelers are getting a little tired of Sulzer power instead of Jubilee roar. A shot from Haxby, Burton Salmon and and the last of the evening Sun would you believe a double track mainline in 2013 (look at the state of that viaduct!) crossing the River Calder near Methley Junction.


York Loco Images 290613-5675.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr


York Loco Images 290613-5680.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr


York Loco Images 290613-5700.jpg by York Loco-images, on Flickr

 

From what's been said in the past it seems a major reason for the maroon livery is the Royal Scotsman contract, for the sake of flexibility WCRC have applied it across their fleet.

Chris