Dartmouth Express 19th October

I don't think the return times can be relied on yet. Nothing on Real Time Trains

Don

 

The loco is planned to be from the Locomotive Services Ltd. pool of engines, at the moment www.iconsofsteam.com lists the engine as TBC.

 

Unless the loco is a 4-6-0, DSR generally bring out their 25 if rail conditions are unfavourable. They then use it for shunt release at Kingswear.

 

True, but what I was getting at was if there was a diesel on the back throughout, that would have to run round to the back again at Kingswear.

 

Yes, I see what you mean

 

Was at Paignton working on the Class 25 on Tuesday doing a spot of maintenance, and unless things change the 25 is booked to run light to Kingswear on Saturday to shunt stock and support coach etc, then follow the train back.

 

Is there any reason why they use the class 25 to help even in dry conditions? 4464 had it every time it visited on a Torbay Express, however other 4-6-2 engines such as 71000, 34046, 70000, 60163 didn't use it! I know 4464 struggled up but that was with the diesel hanging on the back, why don't they let it have a go on it's own?

 

It must be due to observed performance of the particular loco with that load, they made an operational judgement that the risk of stalling was too high, so opted for the banker. I can't think it is due to lack of a spare following path - with it always being a 'Green' timetable on a Sunday.

 

Unfortunately the 26th Oct trip is now cancelled due to 5029 being unavailable. Had an e-mail from RTC today.

 

Still no timings on RTT. I am beginning to wonder?

 

Timings now up on RTT

 

Thanks Maureen!

 

Has anyone heard how 70000/TBC is getting to and from Westbury? It appears that the ECS is moving to Poole today, but there are no times on RTT for a light engine movement to/from Westbury. Will it be the case that 70000 is to be put in the ECS today to Poole, then will be dragged back to Westbury so it's facing the right way (12 minutes turn around at Westbury isn't particularly long!), or will it be a ghost in the system once again?

James at SVN

 

Britannia going down with the diesel and ECS to Poole will be on the back of train tomorrow till it reaches Westbury when she will be on the right end for the remainder of the trip, the same applies for the return trip 70000 will be on the back from Westbury to Poole.

 

Does that mean the DL is on the back all day over the 'steam' section? Hope not

Don

 

Ecs on it's way down now but cant see the return ecs late tomorrow/early Sunday

Don

 

The return ECS runs on Monday 21st.

 

as far as I am aware the diesel will drop off at Westbury and await the return........unless something different happens in the morning!

 

Hope so as there should be no need for it, much as I like 47s, its supposed to be a day with steam.

Here's a shot of the ecs passing St Denys 5 early at 1437 this afternoon.

Don

 

A4's and Spam Cans have form for not making the bank up to Churston unassisted, some types are more sure footed than others regardless of wheel arrangement, the Dartmouth's 7/8F 2-8-0T's were chosen for good reason.