RTC 2015

Fri 15 May Dartmouth Express with 70000 Britannia is likely to be operated by DBS, subject to final confirmation.

 

I see that the Swanage Belle has disappeared from the RTC website. However, the identical tour the same week with SD, also booked for 61306, is still shown on their website. I presume this one can't be switched to DBS unless there is change of loco?

 

The SD one states refer to booking office, so it looks like it will be postponed.

 

Timings for the Dartmouth Express on Friday with 70000 Britannia:

Out - http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50728/2015/05/15/advanced

Ret - http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50729/2015/05/15/advanced

Looks like it is being operated by DBS with Britannia joing the train at Westbury.

 

Vintage Trains have made customers aware of changes and updated their website. If VT can do it, why haven't RTC updated customers? GB8 was a PR disaster. YOu woulkd think on the back of that, to rebuild customer confidence and reputation that they would be quick off the mark. Only comparing what VT have done.

 

Whilst I agree that the RTC website could be better in this respect,. maybe they have had a few more things to think about while GB8 was still in progress (and possibly for some time afterwards while they tried to sort things out). In contrast, VT only operate a handful of tours - much easier for them to keep a handle on each one, and even then things have been rather fluid with tours being first postponed and then cancelled.

 

Buxton Spa now on 27 June, providing everything goes smoothly.

 

Received an email from the RTC today offering a 5% discount on any future 2015 tour. This is to celebrate the return of WCR, and to take advantage of the discount you must book by 31st May.

This led me to look at the Royal Duchy schedule on their website. I had noticed on UK Steam that there's one due to run on 14th June, but this is not showing on the website so has presumably been pulled, or is fully booked. I'm travelling on that day's Torbay Express so was looking forward to the "meeting" at Exeter.

 

I also had that e-mail. I am tempted by the first Cotswold Venturer on 13th June but I can't see 6023 being ready for this going by her status during the Steam Gala. I wonder what they could use instead? Perhaps 61306 could take her place as the SD trips still seem to be in limbo.

 

Yes, I'm not optimistic about 6023 being ready either. Wondering what the odds are of 71000 returning first actually,

 

61306 is due to haul the CathEx to Chester outbound only on the 2nd June, it's next booking is Shrewsbury to Cardiff with 45305 on the 20th June. The Royal Duchy the following day (14th) appears to have been cancelled so 34067 is the most likely substitute.

 

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Had Email today East Yorkshireman tickets going out next week - which is good news.

 

My email offer was £5 off.......

 

Same here, although I did not recieve mine until today.

 

Same here and looking forward to it.

 

Sorry, my mistake, yes it was £5

 

The first three Duchys have disappeared. First one now is the 5th July. Wonder what the motive power will be? Tangmere is the only one from the 'pool of engines' was ever likely to be operational, if in fact it is. the only other option would seem to be 70000.

 

What's Braunton's current status then?