RTC 2022

I agree, garbage times.

 

Edale westbound is the highlight in my opinion but now being in the dark with the potential for a diesel has took the edge of this tour. Given there's no Cotton Mill this year, this was the one trip that ticked all the boxes.

 

Anyone know if Saturday's Cotswold Venturer with 60103 is still running as planned?
Can't see any timings on RTT yet, but I'm guessing that's simply because FS times are often hidden in advance.

RTC website is surprisingly showing seats available in all classes, which is a bit surprising, as I thought these FS tours had sold out.

 

Maybe the price has something to do with availability, the tour of course does carry a premium over a usual Worcester trip. Plus if you have not booked by now the weather forecast for Friday and subsequent possible damage and travel disruption may be putting people off.

 

Quite possibly, I do wonder if the 'premium' factor of FS is maybe wearing off, though the more reasonably priced Steam Dreams trips seem to be selling out still.

 

Well the loco is heading south for the tour ,so assume it’s running .No idea if times for that are on RTT so I won’t say when .

 

It's a Scotsman trip so I doubt times will be on RTT until the night before. As usual, Worcester News and other local papers are milking this for all its worth so expect plenty of crowds and security guards/police at the station. The weather forecast looks dire so rather than brave the general public at Shrub Hill I might go into The Hive in the afternoon and watch the turning move from the viewing gallery. Mind you, the last 2 trips I've been on with 60103 she's failed due to poor coal, so it will be a minor miracle if she actually makes it here at all.

 

She'll make it, with the help of the tail gunner no doubt !

 

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

Turning move is more complicated than usual. Rather than going forward, back, forward, back it's going forward, back, forward, back, forward, back.

 

The Cotswold Venturer. Saturday, 19th February, 2022
Hauled by steam locomotive No.60103 'Flying Scotsman'

Outbound: Realtime Trains - 1Z50 0704 London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill

Return: Realtime Trains - 1Z51 1633 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington

 

Tempting to do a last minute booking on this, but it relies on the first train from Banbury to Didcot actually running (and not being more than 30min late) and with the current weather disruption, that's a big risk!
CrossCountry strike action means no backup train option.

Anyone know if RTC generally allow a 'Pay on the Day' option?

 

Usually yes, but cash only so have a big wad of notes with you.

 

Thanks, spoke to RTC who have confirmed that there are seats available and they're happy to accept POTD.
Fingers crossed I can actually get there!

 

We were supposed to be going to Oxford today to stay a couple of nights for my wife's birthday tomorrow (and I was going to nip out to see 60103), but the storm has brought a tree down across the drive that leads to our house meaning we can't leave until it is cleared! We have re-booked for March, and by utter chance 60103 is back at Oxford that Sunday!

 

Tomorrow's run has been cancelled due to ongoing issues across the rail network according to the RTC's website.

 

Always knew it was a long shot, guess I get a lie-in tomorrow instead.

Just hope all other intending passengers find out in time.

 

Anyone know if all the costs associated with the cancellation are borne by the promoter? I would assume so, as with NR being a government entity I can not see them contributing. It did seem a very late in the day cancellation however.
I see the Pathfinder tour is running but was held for nearly two hours at Oxford due to tree clearance further north. I would have expected NR not to want the bother of charters at all this weekend after the impact of yesterday.
I did chuckle at the cancellation reason on RTT (or perhaps in the NR system) for the FS trip. I guess the nearest reason in the system but with current climate events maybe they need some more cancellation reasons
"This service was cancelled due to temporary speed restrictions as a result of heat (X4)."