4464 - Western Streak - 18-10-14

How about pick up at Oxford? No messing about with reversal and loco change there, just stop, collect passengers, and set off again. (Provided passengers aren't delayed by being on a broken-down FGW train as some of us were on 10th May!)

 

any ideas when network rail are sending confirmed times?? what are the issues your having with the train ben?

 

NR provided some times on Friday, but we asked them to re-working the Didcot-bit. There is a limitation with platform length so we needed to confirm the number of coaches we are taking and our consist will fit. We are aiming for a Didcot stop, but we will have to wait and see what NR can fit into the timings.

A stop in Oxford station is a non-starter. Oxford continues to be an extremely difficult station to path a passenger stop at. I apologise for not anticipating that there would be a flurry of passengers wanting to join the train for that part of the journey.

As soon as I know anything for certain, I will post the details.

For those still awaiting tickets, they will be in the 1st Class post as soon as we are provided with the re-worked timings.

 

Thanks for the Update Ben.

What load are you planning to take on the train?? going up the Lickey Incline with a load is always a winner with enthusiasts.

 

Any news on when the tickets will be sent out for this trip, getting a bit worried as havent seen any sign of them yet

 

You might like to read Ben's post above which answers your question.

 

Good News! We have the confirmed times from NetRail and the route is exactly as we planned & advertised....yes... up the Lickey, through Five Ways and into New Street.

Tickets and times will go out to the passengers via First Class post tonight, plus an email to all those whose addresses we have.

Tyseley departure at 07:14. Didcot for the loco change 10:36>10:53 and into BTM at 12:14.

If any passengers have not had their tickets by Friday, please telephone us in the office and we will arrange for duplicates to be picked up on the day...you will need them to get on & off at Bristol TM.

Kindest Regards

Ben

 

Hi Ben,

What assistance if any will Bittern have up Lickey?

 

The 47 will be on the back. Banking is permitted on the Lickey. It will all depend on conditions and the drivers on the day. Are you booked on the train?

 

Hi Ben. For those hoping to join at Didcot, can you say whether the train will be platformed, and if so, is it possible to book, or is it pay on the day only, just in case, : )

Many thanks

 

Thanks Ben.

Any idea when the times will be up on uksteam.com?

Or what the ID will be?

 

No idea....You will need to ask Mr Randals...

 

How can I contact Mr Randals?

 

webmaster@uksteam.com?

As we only got the times this morning, I am sure they will be posted as soon as they become available.

We have no affiliation with the website.

 

Ben,

Thanks for the reply. I'd love to be on the train but I don't have the whole day free. Scottish Lowlander three weeks ago was my ration for the time being. But I hope it's sold out by the day.

 

Ben,
What is the rough layover time at BTM?
That will give a rough estimate of time to be at the Lickey or on the West Suburban.

 

Poor Ben.

He has the decency to be one of the few involved very closely with running main line steam trips who comes here to give regular up to date information for his customers. Indeed, I think the only one who comes here with any regularity.

And ends up being sort of bombarded with requests for all sorts of information from some at least who wont be buying tickets. Not that the occasional request isn't relevant to customers on the train. But most seem not to be.

Give it a rest guys.

 

Times are now available at www.uksteam.info/tours/t14/t1018d.htm

 

Lickey in the dark then!

 

It's a shame in my opinion.

I would have liked to have seen it under light. A4s climbing Lickey don't come around too often!!