RTC 2025

Ah right thanks. Was only basing it off last year when they announced it very early, my mistake.

 

It was available to book 11th Sept last year.

 

Based on the day trips they've announced so far on the 2026 page I would imagine the starting day of the GB would fall around the 25th April

 

I heard some say at the Bluebell GOS that Kelly hadn't decided if it was going to go ahead yet, because people were not keen on the Mk2's.
They were hoping to hear shortly.

 

We can speculate as to what they were hoping to hear.
I have done a Great Britain once. Most years since I have considered doing it again but in the end decided against. The MkIIs provide an additional reason against.

 

I concur with your last sentence and also the current lack of motive power West Coast have, you no longer get the variety of locomotives that earlier Great Britains had.

Dave B

 

Chiltern Explorer times on RTT. Basically the reverse of the Varsity Explorer from Manchester rather than Chester.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68394/2025-11-01/detailed

& diesel hauled return
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68397/2025-11-01/detailed

Wasn't this originally advertised as being via Stoke & Cannock ?

 

I don’t think Cannock was ever in the plan for this one, there was a RTC working out of Liverpool to Worcester in September booked that way but that ended up canned.

 

Outline times are now on RTT for the 11/11 trip.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...1/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

A little disappointing compared to what was (and still is) advertised. Hopefully something might change.

Andrew

 

When was the last time steam went down that line from Paddock Wood to Maidstone West and Strood?
Would not be at all surprised if there are gauging issues.

 

On the corresponding run in 2023. Motive power was Bahamas. Tangmere also took the pullmans over this line on Novermber 2022.

Last year's RTC Armistice Day special was powered by 44871 and took a different route - Victoria- Maidstone East-Canterbury West-Dover-Ashford-Victoria

 

Timings for Sussex Belle on 19th. Usefully does Tulse Hill-Crystal Palace-East Croydon on the outward, which is pretty unusual, particularly as steam more often goes via Birkbeck rather than join the Croydon lines.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...9/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

The timings will be revised. It's not possible to easily take water at Haywards Heath due to no tanker access and needing to take a siding possession. The same happened last year and was revised close to operating date.
Cheers, Neil

Looking back into my records, the timings were not revised. On the day, the train ran late and didn't call at Haywards Heath.

 

So where would the alternative be? Is it needed anyway?

Also three hours to Eastbourne? We are booked on it but may not go.

Don

 

Victoria - Eastbourne is 65m57ch plus 5 miles for ECS into VIC and shunting at Eastbourne.
Clan Line has been known to do Waterloo - Salisbury 83m43ch without a water stop. I would suggest that a water stop isn't needed going to Eastbourne.
( I presume that water stops are often added at Winchfield to allow for the stop start running and extra mileage via the Windsor Lines.)

As for the journey time running via Tulse Hill and Crystal Palace is a string of permanent speed restrictions around corners and across flat junctions.

Cheers, Neil

 

Yes and with the DL no doubt giving assistance in places it should be easy. In 1965 a MN did Waterloo Yeovil Junction 122.8 miles non stop twice and still got 90 through Andover and also signal checks. 35022 from memory

Don

 

Times for the 6th December tour to Rochester now on RTT. The outward is currently routed via Dartford and Gravesend https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...6/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

Required track, but alas will be working.

 

Times for Sat 15th tour to York

The Christmas White Rose

1Z48 0744 London Kings Cross to York
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U70430/2025-11-15/detailed

1Z50 1636 York to London Kings Cross
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U70674/2025-11-15/detailed

 

That, unfortunately is the result of trying to run steam over the very intensively-trafficked Brighton Main Line. Over 100 years ago, the LB&SCR's "Eastbourne Sunday Pullman" did the run in 90 minutes, with motive power usually consisting of an I3 tank, a much less powerful loco than Clan Line. Still, for those of us who live in this neck of the woods, a rare visit by 35028 to East Sussex will be a welcome sight.