Mayflower

Hi all. I had a look online, but I couldn't see anything. Anyone know if Mayflower is back in traffic yet?

 

I don't know how close it is (should be pretty close based on last reports), but no it's not back in traffic yet. The first signs would be a test run out of Carnforth I would think.

 

I read that it's planned first trip is bringing the Lakes Express back to London the 21st June.

 

Yes, interestingly I noticed that UK Steam has that down as "46233/60009/61306", all three of which are close to being back in service, but not actually runners at the moment.

 

Still down for two SDs trip before that (on 12th & 19th July) but I would not be surprised to see 45212 ending up as the likely motive power, unless, of course, 35018 is brought down for the two RTC end-of-southern-steam commemorative trains on 7th and 9th July and then stays down south to work these two.

 

John, are the 12th and 19th July before the 21st June? Damn these new fangled calendars...

 

Whoops! Silly me. For some reason I misread the post and thought the Lakes Express was 21st JULY. If the plan is for 61306 to make its return to the main line down the WCML in less that two weeks' time without having even done a test run, that really is ambitious. Still, never say never......

 

Just been advised that Steam Dreams have cancelled the Railtour on the 19th July. Mayflower will not be run in in time, and nothing else can do the route, due to gauging restrictions. There goes Dad's birthday present, then...

 

Noticed Mayflower was outside the running shed at Carnforth on Saturday afternoon, not clear whether in steam or not?

 

Believe October was mooted as return to service so presumably testing is imminent.

 

Certainly it's still expected at the Bluebell Giants of Steam in mid October (plus a subsequent railtour departing from Sheffield Park):
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/whats_on/autumn-steam-gala/
Fingers crossed.

 

Anyone know if there is any update on the status of Mayflower?

 

She was in steam and moving around the yard under her own power at Carnforth on Friday evening.

 

Her first trip was supposed to be the Bath Christmas Market on Tuesday 4th December but she is not ready and the tour will now be hauled by 44871.
On the 5th she was due to haul the Cathedrals Express from Southend to Norwich, but that has now been cancelled.

 

I note she's booked for the CathEx on the 9th; I was hoping to see that but other events have prevented me from doing so.

 

Mayflower test runs today:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O61439/2018/11/29/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O61440/2018/11/29/advanced

 

Good luck to anyone going out for that...the weather up here is atrocious!

 

Woooooo Since when have they done test runs to Barrow, fantastic news steam past the office window!

Pity the crew though, the bleeding monsoon has broken here so one way tender first is going to be fun!

 

Likewise. I’ll be manning the BBLS stall at the Peterborough MRE. This guarantees superb photographic weather.

 

I know - 'cos I'll be working on Saturday and plodding cross-country from Royal Wooden Bucket on the Sunday... so I get to miss Mayflower and the MRE