B1 61306. Horsham to Bristol. 22/09/2015

The outward timings for this train are now available thanks to Steam Dreams. <BJ>
http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

 

But nothing yet on RTT - either at Horsham or ECS from Southall WCR

 

And less than 24 hours before departure, still no times appearing on RTT

 

This could be the B1 today transferring from Sheringham to Southall . <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50624/2015/09/21/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50623/2015/09/21/advanced

 

Motive power arriving at Southall less than 24 hours before it needs to depart? Hope I'm wrong, will be happy to eat my words but This tour has worrying signs.

 

While it may be worrying that there are no times for the tour itself, I fail to see how it's worrying that a locomotive turning up to base less than 24 hours before a rostered tour is worrying.

No. 45407 turned up at Bo'ness only 18 hours before she was due to return out to the mainline with the 'Forth Circle' tour, and No.s 60009 & 60163 turned up at Millerhill only 22 hours before the former performed the opening ceremony Royal Train for the Borders Rail Link. Both went without issues.

Turning up late actually has the effectiveness of the boiler still being warm, minimising the stresses on the firebox and making it easier to bring round to working pressure the next morning.

 

At what point is the fitness to run examination undertaken? I assume a FTR has to be undertaken before it leaves Norfolk light engine. Does this cover the tour tomorrow or does a further FTR exam need to be done at Southall MPD??

 

When you were running a railway almost entirely powered by steam, its fair that servicing and turnaround times were short and heating cooling stresses were not a factor. Its also fair to say a lot of the locos went out again far from fit. This is 2015 however. The flower is due to arrive at Southall probably less than 13 hours before it has to depart with the ECS. Now in itself I wouldn't fuss about that, but along with other signs its a small part of a larger picture. Again I hope i am wrong.

 

deleted duff info

 

5Z94 0939 Kidderminster - Southall. 70000 Britannia + POB
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53229/2015/09/22/advanced

Wonder if that's got anything to do with it?

 

A bit late as it doesn't leave until tomorrow, the day of the tour!! Can anyone explain why the "grimeaters" posting was removed for duff info. Or was it just that, duff info?

 

Doh yes, I was thinking of the Thursday tour to Worcester, got me threads a bit messed up.
Never mind eh, in true nat pres style we can also discuss Thursdays Cath Ex here, never go off on a tangent do we

 

Return times now on Steam Dreams, Steam-Diesel swap at Hanwell loop on return.
http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

 

Keep up that man at the back. <BJ>

 

Hopefully there's no problem with late gauging on this trip...?

 

Barring last minute problems, if all goes to plan, those of us living in Berkshire will see 5 steam specials in a week!! Time to wake up. I must be dreaming. But it's a nice dream so don't wake me up.

 

what 5 are they then?

 

19/9/15 34067 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard to Paddington
22/9/13 61306 Horsham to Bristol to Southall
23/9/13 60163 Victoria to Bristol to Victoria
24/9/15 61306 Victoria to Worcester to Victoria
26/9/15 34067 Paddington to Worcester to Paddington

There you go. 5 of the best!

 

Ah right, you were were counting one that had been! not 5 to come! fooled me!

 

Blimey, this is appearing late on the system. The ECS has appeared on RTT and is on its way to Horsham, but no Main service yet!