RTC 2022

Thanks, at least they didn’t break Bahamas! Odd that it was a 33, there was a 47 attached to the stock on Thursday.

 

Stormed through Twyford, looking and sounding good, with no noise from the hanging 33.

 

I thought it would be a good run, a shame I couldn’t be on it today.

 

My two shots from Bourton and Jackdaws Bridge, on Sapperton Bank. I hope you enjoy it

 

Similar to the climb we had on the last Bahamas trip to Worcester, regulator in the roof and just a couple of turns on the reverser as we hit the worst of the grade at Frampton Mansell and No sanders despite the wet rail. I expect it was the same driver Bill Monteith as I don’t think Southall have anyone else who has signed the route.

 

My video of Bahamas at Churchdown, Gloucester & Sapperton. Enjoy.

 

This looks promising for Thursday.
Pure steam perhaps?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63233/2022-09-01/detailed

 

Conditional path, I think NR make the decision on unassisted steam tomorrow

 

Dorset has been added to the drought areas this morning, which now covers most if not all the SW. Hampshire of course already was in drought.
Personal opinion not looking promising, but all down to NR now.

 

Also Bristol, Somerset, South Glouc and parts of Wiltshire. Not good but not surprising. [BJ]

 

I wonder if NR has made it's decision yet?
It's still very dry down here.

 

Does anyone know what the decision is for tomorrow? I’m guessing it will be diesel assistance and no appearance of 31806 but hoping I am wrong!

 

Yes it is diesel assistance, no U to Weymouth I’m afraid

 

Thanks. It’s a shame but sensible given the current situation

 

https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-cheshireman-04-09

Outline times for Saturday's tour to Chester with the Duchess on RTC's website. Steam off at Leicester on the return. No pick ups between Norwich and March on the outward, but setting down at Brandon, Thetford, Attleborough and Wymondham on the return. That's handy!

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14134/2022-09-02/detailed ECS on Friday.

No times yet for the outward, but the moves around Chester and the return leg are in.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...3/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

Question is will the Duchess go all the way to Norwich, as I believe the previous two Duchess hauled tours out of Norwich have been Diesel hauled as far as Ely due to gauging issues.

 

Good point, I'd forgotten about that. The two hours to get from Norwich to March allows enough time for a loco change en route somewhere.

 

Not sure where the gauging issue is, but presumably after Wymondham as she's previously been to the Mid Norfolk on visits for galas etc via the mainline connection there.

 

Return time has been in RTT for some time, strange no outward, but I guess it follows a service train occupying platform 3 until 14.27, ECS is booked out as indicated. Return times:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14139/2022-09-03/detailed

 

Bahamas making a great sountrack into Byfleet this morning, with some expected assistance from the Class 33 at the rear: