RTC 2014

Indian Queens is a wonderful name for a place although why somewhere in Cornwall is so named is a mystery to me. On the subject of geography, a friend of mine lives in Deal and considers that most of the UK is "up north."

 

This thread when started was never about the operation of RTC's itineraries which are both excellent and enterprising and must continue. It was about their brochure and on-line advertising which is often inaccurate at the outset and not kept up to date. If other companies don't fall foul of this issue neither should RTC and surely there is a simple answer to it. I travel on many of their trains and in all seriousness Nigel should take pride in what he delivers. He leads where others follow eg multi day tours , train splitting, top and tail steam, being first to destinations where steam hasn't been for ages etc. Special mention should also be made of his regular train manager Les Fishburn for the professionalism he portrays, his wife Rosie and his stewards who are knowledgeable and visible and who do steward the trains, not like those of some companies who you never see and seemingly just go a long for a free jolly. (I exclude Ralph from this comment} Nigel, please don't take umbridge at some comments on this thread and keep up the good work.

 

I agree whole heartedly. I have just re-read this thread. I do not believe it contains any criticisms of RTC's efforts other than the one that you refer to above. If that criticism was addressed, I believe that RTC would benefit by getting more custom.

 

Ok, I can keep up with talk of the geographic context of the Maharani of Nagpur. But who or what or where is "Les Ross"?

 

The main line certificated class 86 electric is named Les Ross.

 

Ah, thanks Spamcan. And there was I thinking he was a particularly enthusiastic steam driver that got you further, faster, making more adventurous tours feasible!

Tom

 

Which is owned by the Birmingham DJ Les Ross. It was named after him before he bought it.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Ross

 

I don't think even the late, great Bill Hoole would get you further and faster with the schedules. NR produce these days.

 

I'm really glad that Les Ross is getting attention here. The 86 does a great job in getting the WCME's up to Carnforth in a quick and efficient manner. I believe that is a big part in the success of the tours.

 

I believe you typed South instead of North in error

 

That's how it was in BR days. Electric service train to wherever the NWCE, CCE, CME or whatever started. An 86 on the WCML and a Deltic on the ECML would be the best of both worlds. Heritage "modern" traction and steam on the same tour.

 

And if Tornado was the motive power over the S&C, that would be modern "heritage" traction in between the heritage "modern" traction ;-)
(Someone posted a nice photo of Tornado, on her first run along the GW, passing an HST, with a caption along the lines of "which is the heritage traction?")

 

Just noted an interesting trip for those in the North on March 22. Carnforth-Whitby, with 61994 and 61264 along the Esk Valley route prior to the intensification of the Northern Rail service. Steam section from York. This one is certainly one for the diary!

 

According to the latest Heritage Railway magazine 44871 and 45407 will haul the Cathedrals Explorer on days 2 - 8 inclusive which are the 10th - 16th inclusive. Is this is correct I suspect 44932 and 45305 are the likely substitutes ? unless 45212 is ready?

 

Nothing like a bit of variety eh?

 

Mr Riley reported on the works a few weeks ago that even with the date changed the tin bath would be hauled by "two of our black fives". The inference being 45212 may be ready by then.
Of course things may have changed since then.

 

Ralph!

Just what are you saying about Mr Ross?! Whenever I have seen HIM, HE is most definetly a HIM!

Oh you meant 86259....sorry!

 

And this is coming from someone who claimed that his fiance was soon to become the next Mr Mason....

Excuse me whilst I crawl back under my rock...