RTC - Christmas Sussex Belle

Not seen a thread for this yet...

I'm booked on the London Victoria - Eastbourne - Hastings - London Victoria trip.
Just over a week to go, was hoping to see the timings in the coming few days and then I spot the FBU are striking on the 9th!

I'm assuming if this goes ahead that's the tour diesel hauled only. And I've got three seats booked in first class...
And I have no interest in going from my hometown of hastings to London and then do the tour by diesel all the way m round and then have to get back home. Whole point was to do my local for the first time via steam.

What to do...

Hopefully RTC will confirm if it's going to cause issues and if so can we transfer to another trip...

 

I'm guessing that RTC are more likely to cancel than run diesel-hauled, in which case you will be given the option of your money back or transfer to another tour.

 

I would not worry too much. In the previous FBU disputes, RTC cancelled and gave refunds. Have you spoken to RTC yet?

 

Have emailed them but will probably call up tomorrow to see if I can get an immediate response. I'll post whatever reponse I get. Was about to book tickets to London this evening as well!

 

This is a disappointment; will ask for a refund and hopefully the tour will be put on at a later date. But it won't be the Christmas Sussex Belle.

John

 

Not had a reply from RTC yet and can't seem to get anywhere on the phone (can't get through to an actual person - must be pretty busy or drinking tea - or together!)
But have just got my e-ticket confirming Tangmere and that its steam hauled etc...

Confirmed timings stated as:

10:43 Victoria
13:01 Eastbourne arr
14:26 Eastbourne Dep
15:10 Hastings Dep
17:18 Victoria

Not sure if it's then confirmed or an automated email...

 

Had a reponse....

RTC are awaiting confirmation from network rail as to whether the steam ban is in place in this area and if it affects the tour. (Suggests a ban is going to be in place somewhere as expected)

If it does they aren't sure whether they will postpone it or run diesel hauled.

 

The short daytime tours of kent haven't had a great track record (I know several times theres been attempts at a daytime and a night time run in the same day), invariably less of them have run, than have been canceled...
it's a low revenue tour after all...only £49 in Ryanair class.

 

Given the virtually zero fire risk at this time of year (ground saturated and air damp) I would hope it wouldn't automatically be cancelled. There's also the Horsham to Ely Steam Dreams run that day.

 

I've not had my ticket yet.

 

Tour postponed till Wednesday 10th December due to the ban / strike. Tickets have been resent with the updated date.

Had to be the Date of my driving test!

 

Sorry you have been so messed around, but thank you for keeping us all informed.

I am particularly grateful as l am in the throes of a move from Gloucestershire to Sussex and am planning to view a house some time next week. As it's such a long journey I'd like to combine the house viewing with seeing Tangmere on this trip. Thanks to your informative update, I'll now make sure I arrange the house viewing for Wednesday (And can arrange a time to view the house after I've seen the train - again thanks to your helpful posts) . I just hope those who are travelling will be as easikly able to rearrange things as I have,

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30282017

As I understand the NR ruling is that high fire risk activities are to be avoided on strike days.
That specifically includes the operation of steam locos.

Cheers, Neil

PS It's good thing the class 58's have long since been withdrawn!

 

How did you find out? I didn't even get a ticket for 9th. Presumably they will refund if you can't go on 10th?

 

Emailed them, called them and then heard via email that it's now on the 10th. I'm unsure whether that was sent to everyone or just a reply to mine.

Attached below is what I got - minus my details.

RE: The Christmas Sussex Belle 9th December2014



With regards to your booking on The Christmas Sussex Belle on Tuesday 9th December 2014please be advised that the tour is being postponed due to the national Fire Fighters strike, scheduled to take place on Tuesday.


We were hoping that due to the time of year and the recent weather Network Rail would decide that there was no need to cancel the permission for steam haulage, however in the very unlikely event of a lineside fire, Network Rail still feel it would be irresponsible of them to permit a steam train service to run without potential Fire Service back up.


We have arranged for the tour to now run next Wednesday10th December instead, should this date be inconvenient for you please contact the office to arrange a transfer to another tour or a refund.


We apologise for the very late postponement of this tour and the disappointment and inconvenience it will undoubtedly cause. We hope that you understand that it is totally beyond our control, due to the circumstances mentioned above and we hope that you are still able to travel with us next Wednesday.


Please do not reply to this email it is sent from an automated mailbox, should you have any queries please direct them to enquiries@railwaytouring.co.uk.


Kind regards


The Railway Touring Company

 

Thanks for sharing that here Jorge.

 

On a point of detail for the RTT timings, I note the train is shown as routed from Pouparts Junction to the slow line (p15) at Clapham Junction (i.e. crossing the entire four track Brighton line route), but then p3 at Balham (i.e. crossing back to the fast line) and then p1 at Selhurst (i.e. again back to the slow line). Previously these runs have stayed on the fast through Clapham Junction (p13) before taking the slow somewhere beyond Balham. I must assume that the platform number at C. Jct. has been stated in error this time, or this one train is going to cause havoc by repeatedly crossing between fast and slow lines!.

 

As the scheduled departure time for the Christmas Sussex Belle on 10 December from Victoria is 1043 I don't see why the times should be changed if the strike ends at 0900.

 

email from RTC...

suggest this is bargain of the year... I couldn't resist, see you on wednesday...

Out at 10 back by 5.. perfect day out.