Royal Duchy 2018

Steam Beano has reported 5043 to possibly haul the first Royal Duchy ??

 

Sorry Liam but no it doesn't... unless we're reading two different editions of the same magazine.

Quote: "Nigel tells me the plan is for No. 5043 to take charge of the first train of this year's 'Royal Duchy' season... That's on July 22. Then on July 28 the former Old Oak 'Castle' is in RTC's diary again, this time with a trip from Paddington to the West Somerset Railway".

EDIT: Even further through the article, Bob Meanley is quoted "It's a strong possibility, but it depends on a number of factors, not least time to carry out a number of minor repairs."

Forget the ear defenders... you need Specsavers!

James

 

Have had read again James and you're right, though I was just repeating what SR mag said, and they seem pretty confident, as does Mr Dobbing, then again, they're the press and their produced articles should be taken with a pinch of salt. Glasses ordered, regardless

 

On the right thread, this is on RTC's website now:

Our train leaves Bristol Temple Meads diesel hauled at around 08:45 and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Here we will attach our Black 5 steam locomotive, for the journey to Cornwall.

Time to pray for rain, though it does give a light rainy week beforehand. Whether or not that will be enough for a 'proper steam' Duchy remains to be seen.

 

So, no significant rain forecast for the next week and more; and no light engine moves to Taunton showing for any mainline certified steam locomotives. After the farcical Torbay Express on Sunday last that didn't include the South Devon Banks, the chances of anything other than the worst kind of show pony steam must be close to none.

In the parlance of this part of Nat Pres, anyone know 'What's Going On?'

 

The timings for light engine movements can appear quite late, as they did today for Union of South Africa returning to Southall. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O21118/2018/07/16/advanced

 

Darn it! Missed it by 30 mins - shame the link wasn't posted in the LE Movements, ECS and Test runs thread - I'd assume a diesel leading/assisted movement does anybody know?

 

What’s on this Sunday please, Black 5?

 

Who knows.... We were expecting 45212 to come down but it went to Scotland. 44871 is at Carnforth, not sure why, and with the Steam Ban still on the WCML will there be a steam loco at all??

 

We're booked on Sunday's Royal Duchy and are keen to identify the plan. RTC website still claims a Black 5 on the front.
Is 45305 at Southall? UK steam.info has it pencilled in to work RTC's Dorset Coast Express four days later.

The diagrams are up on RTT now:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P93108/2018/07/22/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P93104/2018/07/22/advanced

We've had some significant rain here in Taunton but it's probably been too localised to be relevant. I expect a decision has been made by now.

 

Do the headcodes 1C50 and 1A50 suggest a Hoover? That'd be nice, if it's solo.

 

5305 is still in pieces on the Great Central. Firebox repairs not complete yet.

 

In that case, assuming 5043 is now ruled out (is it?), I can't fathom the show pony ID. Bring on the Hoover!

 

Only 10 minutes in Taunton. Not enough time to do the shunt moves for a loco change. That and the train code suggest no steam at all.

 

Surely if that decision has been taken the information would be in the public domain by now.......?

 

I'd imagine passengers will get an email from RTC tomorrow. I've been looking on RTT every few hours for the times and they've only just appeared.

 

Be nice to think so. So, if steam traction is still possibly in the frame, which engine might we expect?

 

....... and for those wanting to book, the website still says steam http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/the-royal-duchy so it will be a good news email for the already booked pax.

 

RTC have previous form, so I'd be inclined to wait until I get an email. However, we both know that's the most sensible option.