Shakespeare Express 2014

Any news on the engine for this Sunday ?

 

Put your house on 4965

 

Plus the in-house 47 box!

 

I'm particularly desperate to know when the 2024 dates for the Shakespeare Express will be announced, when will VT let us know?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

 

You'll be waiting a while.

 

Someone getting old before his time ?

 

Neil,
Not exactly a secret, its on p23 of their Feb - Oct Excursion programme

"Every Sunday from 20th July to 7 September"

Dave

 

I was assuming Neil had a senior moment but otherwise assume same weeks in 2024

 

Late in 2023, probably, if it's still running by then. What's special about 2024?

 

2024.... Sunday 7th July through Sunday 8th September. The loco rostered will be 5080 Defiant and 7029 Clun Castle on it's final season before overhaul.

Cheers!

Ben

 

I think Neil has a sore head from too much Pimms yesterday?

 

Trains A & C will be 4965 with assistance from 47773 on the rear.
Train B will be 4965 with 47773 inside
The 47 is required due to the Amber fire risk alert issued by Network Rail.

The worst news is that 4965 will not be allowed to run on Train D at all because all mainline steam operations must cease 1 hour before the firefighters go on strike at 17:00. After Train C, 4965 will run LE from Stratford up the N. Warwick line and back to Tyseley around 16:00. Shakespeare Train D will be hauled by 47773 alone.

These circumstances are completly beyond the control of VT and WCR. If you think the spotters and passengers are unhappy, you should have been in the office the last few days.

 

Will the fire risk alert be rescinded? - been chucking it down in Worcester since midnight - still heavy now.

 

Not very long by all accounts. Been looking at the rain alarm myself & SuA has had a bit as well.
All a bit one sided in my book.

 

Ah, that's the problem - everybody knows you can't weather forecast with a piece of string - you need something much more technical than string - sea weed....................

Steven

 

The NR string length is the responsibility of the gauging team, so at this moment in time they have no idea how long it is, how long it should be, nor what length it will be next month.

 

Unfortunately, no amount of rain is going to change the steam ban due to the Firefighters strike Sunday afternoon. We need 47773 for the last train of the day, so I am afraid we are going to have to take it with us.

Just for the record, I have total admiration and respect for the Firemen and Women. Anyone that runs into a burning or collapsing building to save the life of a stranger has to be respected and rewarded.

I just wish the strike did not affect Sundays Shakespeare Express!

 

But why can't the first out and back train run unaccompanied?