Cumbrian Coast Express 14th March 2015

Times up on RTT already. Out via Shap, back via the coast, so the opposite to what was/is advertised.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50606/2015/03/14/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50607/2015/03/14/advanced

 

I Will be at Llangollen for the second weekend of Steel, Steam & Stars IV/4 so I wont be seeing or riding on this tour. What has been noticed is that RTC have failed to mention on their website that the route is gonna be run in reverse to what is advertised, also in 2014 we had just 3 charters over the cumbrian coast and this year that number is going up to 6.

Here's the current list of what is planned.

Sat 15th Mar: The Cumbrian Coast Express, London Euston-Carlisle with 46115 Scots Guardsman.
Sat 11th Apr: The Cumbrian Coast on Steam, Bridlington-Carlisle with Carnforth Engine.
Sat 18th Apr: The Coastal Explorer, Tyseley-Carlisle with 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. (GOING ON THIS RUN)
Thu 30th Apr & Fri 1st May: The Great Britain VIII, Bristol-Grange over Sands with 45407 + 44871 & Grange over Sands-Edinburgh with 46115 Scots Guardsman.
Sat 23rd May: The Cumbrian Coast Express, London Euston-Carlisle with 46115 Scots Guardsman.
&
Sat 30th May: The Cumbrian Coast Express, London Euston-Carlisle with 46115 Scots Guardsman.

Lets not forget however that Tyseley hasn't announced it's full programme for 2015 and a further run could be added as the first Coastal Explorer was so popular extra coaches have been added.

 

Yes, it worked well last year. I would've been tempted had it been clockwise rather than anticlockwise, but I've got to be in work at 7pm that night so can't do it one way.

 

Rather rashly I booked some friends on this at Christmas. It would be reassuring to know that 46115 has proved itself fit after winter hibernation now it is little more than a fortnight away. Fingers crossed

 

could be another riley rescue job !

 

I fear a black loco would prompt a black mood amongst my travelling pals.

 

Heard it suggested lineside today to expect 45690 on this.

 

oh dear that's a black un!

 

Not sure that will count for much in my defence having recommended the trip on account of a green Scot or Brit.

 

I am trying hold back a huge smile at the prospect of this now being hauled by Leander. I was born after 1968 but if 5690 is on the front I will be able to say that I have travelled northbound over Shap behind a Duchess, Princess, Scot and Jubilee.

 

Don't misunderstand me, 45690 is a fabulous loco. The circumstances are that my pals are acquainted with an ex Longsight fireman who has regaled them with tales of Scots and Brits he fired over Shap. Combined with the joe public mentality that green is more glamorous than black this trip was perfect for them. I've already told them its not taking the advertised route so now might have to explain no green un either - awkward.
Being from the enthusiast background it's interesting to see the reaction of ordinary customers when the product is changed after purchase.

 

If I recall correctly,45699 was deemed out of gauge for the route last year so 46115 and then 48151 were used on the tours.Has the situation changed to allow a Jubilee on the route and the Castle later in the year.

 

I guess with RTC and WCR in partnership, to borrow a cliché, one has to expect the unexpected!

 

Was the Jub actually checked and found wanting, or was it just that it hadn't been checked at that time?

 

Maybe 45690 will sneak through in its stealth pseudo black 5 incarnation.
Not had the tickets yet but notice the RTT details suggest return to Preston is 1 1/2 hours later than RTC advertised, presumably due to the opposite routing being taken which is not reflected on the RTC site either.

 

Much as I love Leander, if RTT is right and it's north via Shap not the coast, I hope the Scot is available as this is scheduled to be a 12 coach train isn't it? I'd like to get to Carlisle on time to have a decent time for food and lots of beer which ain't likely to happen with a Jub with 12 unless the coal is top notch and the engine 100%.

 

the diesel pushing should ensure you get lots beer!