Dorset Coast Express - 2014

I think that for 2015, RTC needs to give some serious thought to the Dorset Coast Express. Originally the concept was very appealing - one steam loco each way, steam banking out of Weymouth and no diesels in the equation. It has since deteriorated to a product which, like Green Five and others, doesn't appeal to me either. Installing a turntable at Weymouth would help greatly and the likely availability of 35018 will be an attraction, but I'd still want some sort of guarantee that there won't be a diesel at the back before booking. Londn to Weymouth is one of the classic steam routes. It has everything - some serious gradients, good scenery, scope for fast running, interesting destinations and the historical association with the end of Southern steam. It ought to be a winner, but at the moment, it's turning a lot of potential customers off. Perhaps RTC could try a couple of trains in April/May when there shouldn't be a fire risk in the New Forest.

 

Morning All
I have added some photos taken by Alan Costello today of the Dorset Coast Express 27-8-14
Tour locos 34067 Tangmere & 37706
34067 Tangmere plaque & cabside number
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-hkhNKRq
34067 Tangmere leaves Jersey Sidings with the ecs for Weymouth Station
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-jjvBHvx
37706 leaves Jersey Sidings with the ecs for Weymouth Station
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-DQ3g9B8
37706 waits to leaves Weymouth Station with the return Dorset Coast Express 27-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-GvH8vQZ
34067 Tangmere on the rear leaves Weymouth Station with the return Dorset Coast Express 27-8-14
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-k8gKgHc
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/2011-/2014/Weymouth-Specials/i-DbrgZNg
Neil

 

Despite the fire risk problem a diesel is necessary at present as the train has to be dragged from Weymouth to Southampton on the return. <BJ>

 

When Steam Dreams first ran to Weymouth in (I think 2004) there was no diesel drag. The steam loco went to Yeovil Junction and turned on the turntable there. Admittedly, it was a challenge to manage this during the layover time. When I went on the train, we left Weymouth late as a result of these convoluted manoevres, but it was still preferable to the current RTC diesel drag. Still, one point I was making is that the installation of a turntable at Weymouth would solve the problem completely. I wonder if anyone has some info as to whether the installation of a turntable has progressed beyond the "Wouldn't it be a good idea?" stage.

At the other end of the line, things could be improved once the old Eurostar platforms at Waterloo are brought back into use, as I understand that extra platform space would facilitate a direct path via Wimbledon rather than having to go via the Windsor lines, saving an hour on the outward journey.

I don't want to sound like a whinger. Full marks for RTC for taking the plunge and going for a repeat-itinerary train on the LSWR main line, but if it is losing money for them, as I fear has been the case this summer, I hope that rather than giving up on the idea, the company will find a way of addressing the issues which are spoiling what is potentially a very good product.

 

So was there a problem with 34067 last night?
I don't want any funny answers from the "you weren't on it, so you are not entitled to know" brigade either.
That is a stupid immature childish reaction you expect in infants school, not from so called grown men (& women).
Those attitudes make me ashamed to be a steam enthusiast.

 

Because the line at West Byfleet has no gradient. Bout the only place on the whole run it has any grip

 

Well they did repack the ballast under the UP fast at West Byfleet last year, probably put a 1 cm rise on it.

 

Interesting question. I too would be interested to know why Tangmere was pushed so comprehensively last night.

However not content to leave the question at that, you had to add a load of instantly hostile rubbish, that instantly puts people backs up and now we probably wont get a sensible answer. Is it any wonder that nobody treats you with any respect?

 

A quote from the Dorset Echo on 11th July.

''Network Rail says a proposal has been put forward by West Coast Railways for land currently
occupied by the line which branches off to form the disused quayside tramway branch''.

The complete article regarding tourism to the area boosted by rail services is given below. <BJ>
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/11...eymouth_on_the_right_track_as_a_tourism_draw/

 

Well I suppose we will have to accept the tramway is never going to get used again, so if we ever want to see steam pounding up the hill on the return, the turntable has to be a good alternative.

 

It does indeed seem very unlikely that the tramway will ever be used again. But installing a turntable needn't prevent it. If there is not enough space for the turntable and a separate through running line onto the tramway, the turntable could in principle be built and certified to be suitable for running trains across, just as they do across swing bridges in a few places.

 

It's not hostile, it's the truth (which hurts).
Just look at previous occasions, have we ever had a "proper" answer?
No, just silly bitchy comments from certain people.
How many times have you read "you weren't a passenger, so you don't need to know" or similar on here?
You wonder why I get uptight.

 

I'm not trying to being funny but I do wonder with all the agro that you receive why you bother at all. <BJ>

 

Tangmere was entirely diesel powered through Winchfield ,twenty miles away and similarly downhill.

 

If Swanage got a turntable installed, would Weymouth still be needed ?

 

In my opinion Yes.
The proposed location for the turntable is at the Swanage end of the line , so with pathing around Swanage services I cannot see it being any better than Yeovil.

 

On the three trips I was on with loco going to Weymouth we left late on all of them 2 SD, and 1 Kingfisher. A diesel was required for banking out of Weymouth on 2 occasions, on the third it caught fire on the way toYeovil with Tangmere, so we left Weymouth unassited with 11 on I think with Pete Roberts driving. The problem with turning at Yeovil is early start, long lay over at Weymouth ( 5 hours rather than 3 hours with DCE'S) and late back.

 

Who were you replying to? Not me, I hope.