West Somerset Steam Express 2015

She looks to be losing time hand over fist at present.

Hopefully external delays rather that an issue with Britannia.

 

Seems to have lost half hour between Taunton & Castle Cary, a half hour journey taken an hour.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50644/2015/07/25/advanced

 

Whats happened now then ????? Losing loads of time.


edit....sorry, I see above already mentions !!!

 

HST that should have been ahead actually left Taunton shortly after Britannia and then lost a further 15 mins to Castle Cary.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P00201/2015/07/25/advanced

 

The hst was ahead of the Brit by 5 min it passed the tour at taunton east jn .

 

Thanks for that Alan. I am thinking of going on the 8th August, which 70000 is also rostered according to UK Steam and Icons of Steam.

 

Does anybody know if for those wishing to do so standing by the droplights was permitted on WSR part of journey?

 

Yes, no restrictions and listening to 3850 on nine was a delight. It was a stunning day full of (mostly) the right sort of drama. The WSR allowed us freedom of the line for £5 and we went from Minehead to Watchet and return with a Manor and Hall and I thank WSR very much for this generous gesture. We were two of the pay on the day but we have been so let down with diesels turning up which for us means we waste £170 to £200 so it was great to see 70000 roll in and know our cash would be rewarded. Thanks WCR, RTC and WSR for a great day.

 

I saw this at Reading West last night, you were stuck behind a Reading bound turbo which stopped at RW although I'm not sure whether it came from Newbury or Basingstoke.
As soon as the turbo left RW I heard 70000 accelerating from Southcote Junction long before it appeared, it was going a fair rate when it reached RW.
I have a mobile phone clip of it which I might put up later.

 

A record of events at Aldermaston, am. and Thatcham, pm.



New pedestrian bridge at Thatcham seems to be excessively high.

 

Reading West last night.



One question, is there any reason why the train couldn't run on vacuum brakes throughout being a WCRC operation & the stock obviously dual braked. Would of saved any changeover.

 

I was on the support crew for this yesterday, long days, tiring, hard work, but I think this superb clip exactly captures what it's all about.

 

Perhaps that is the way to go, then if it turns up with a box you can walk away & keep your money in your pocket. If you book beforehand you are committed whatever happens.

 

It's certainly an option for those who want to avoid diesels but you run the risk of it being a sell out before the day of the tour.

 

The catenary is coming to Burnham...

 

It's something I never would have considered a few years ago and if we did have 'box' haulage we would just thought it unlucky. However last year when I was made aware in advance that a trip was being changed to diesel and on asking to be changed to any other trip anytime that was steam I was told to read the terms and conditions and consequently suffered a non steam day. We used to be on 10 to 20 trips a year and felt a bit peeved that the operator wasn't willing to help although I could understand the operator's stance in case there were lots asking the same question. However at the end of the day we are the ones paying the fare and therefore we have taken the decision to cherry pick the trips and if they're sold out before hand then so be it. I feel for the operators but also we are not a charity with a bottomless pocket of money. And it's not just us enthusiasts. We were on a trip a few months and the family opposite were ranting at an earlier trip they had undertaken that was changed to diesel and there was an impression that if this one had been the same they would have given up trying. And that at the end of the day could be the downfall of our main line steam haulage companies if the non enthusiasts also vote with their feet if there not given a reasonable chance to swap to another date if the destination and motive power differ substantially from that advertised. Us enthusiasts tend to be of thicker stuff and more supportive but our patience too must be waning. However memories can be as long as the last trip and would happily do the West Somerset Express again next month and would encourage all to do the same.

 

There are several WSR trips for next month currently available on the RTC website. I am keen to go on one to visit the WSR but going by the reports of passenger numbers yesterday I wonder if they will go ahead. At the moment my Dad and I have really lost our enthusiasm for ML steam as the two trips we have booked so far this year have been disappointments and we feel we are cursed:-(
I will keep an eye on the WSR trips and book nearer the time (the next one is 8th August rostered for 70000).
It's good to hear that all went well yesterday. A shame that the seats didn't sell well though.

 

Is it any wonder given the uncertainty of many steam trips over the last few years with what's provided.
Unfortunately, although this one was 100% steam it suffered because of the reputation of others.
People don't want to take the risk with their hard earned cash.