RTC 2022

Well I haven’t yet had any main line steam of any sort this year. It’s been pretty damp here in Locks Heath near Southampton with some light rain or steady drizzle over the last couple of days and our lawns are greening up nicely. May even have to get the mower out. But yes got a list of Galas lined up starting with Welshpool on 3rd September as we now can’t get to the CME due to reduced train services. Nearly time to hang up my GPS I fear much to my wife’s delight

 

The Dorset Coast Express - Thursday 1st September
Assuming tour proceeds as booked - ECS from Southall to Victoria: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63232/2022-09-01/detailed
Outward run is: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63234/2022-09-01/detailed
Assuming 31806 is needed/passes it's FTR/etc. the light engine leg from Swanage to Weymouth: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63235/2022-09-01/detailed
The return leg to Victoria: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63238/2022-09-01/detailed
31806 returning from Southampton to Swanage: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63239/2022-09-01/detailed
ECS from Victoria to Southall: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63241/2022-09-01/detailed

 

Thanks. One for me perhaps but only if the NR steam ban is lifted. The Worcester trip on Saturday is taking a DL. However it has been damp here with some rain and drizzle over the last few days and so far today 15 mm of rain has fallen in Southampton. Will we know in advance?

 

RTC say they are expecting a NR decision on Tuesday, as to whether the main tour loco for 1st September must have diesel assistance throughout.

 

Currently torrential rain in Worcester, will be here all day by the look of it. Heavy rain on and off all day yesterday as well. River level still below usual minimum though. Fingers crossed for Saturday's trip with Bahamas.

 

Torrential is perhaps an exaggeration but certainly good proper rain all morning. Forecast has it clearing after lunch

 

It’s been raining hard all morning at home and in Southall

 

Maybe DL free but there is no LE path back to Southall

 

Times on RealTime now:-

Out - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66434/2022-08-27/detailed

Turnaround - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66436/2022-08-27/detailed

Return - https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66439/2022-08-27/detailed

 

So despite the huge deluge in London and the south a DL will be going with the train

 

I understand NR will make a decision about diesel assistance on Tuesday. At least we’ve got steam again

 

This thread is about Worcester on Saturday. Tuesday’s decision is about the DCE on 1st

 

Yes I know but as I understand it NR will make a decision about diesel assistance in general on Tuesday. I could be wrong

 

Ok thanks

 

A still grab from this morning's video of Bahamas at Bourton.

 

45596 Bahamas at Worcester Shrub Hill today, shortly after arriving. She was 20 mins late arriving as she was stuck behind a late running 158, so got held at Eckington Loop to allow it to pass. Then she got held at the signal just beyond the station throat while that same 158, having just terminated at Foregate St, came back round the corner, ran empty through Shrub Hill and then entered the siding by the signal box.

 

A worthy substitute for the engine originally rostered for this trip and and top marks to the support crew who I know were very short handed for this working.

 

Here's my footage of 45596 Bahamas at full speed through Ashchurch and ready to attack Sapperton Bank. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

I don’t know what’s happened but the train seems to have been terminated at Slough

 

The 33 ceased to work. If the train carried in into Paddington it couldn't get back out again.

Andrew