CathEx Warminster - Ely 10th Oct 2015

I see times for this trip have appeared in RTT, at least for the outward section: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63882/2015/10/10/advanced

Another early start! Routed via Andover and Bramley

 

Over 7 hours! These trips that cross London just do not make any sense anymore.

 

Return timings now available thanks to RTT. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63886/2015/10/10/advanced

 

No clue yet though as to how the ecs gets there or whether a DL might be involved

Don

 

Interesting that UK steam has no timings despite the RTT timings issued. Dave's listings usually show if a diesel is provided. Just need to keep an eye out for his update, hopefully today.

 

Presumably David is waiting for the ecs times to appear on RTT

 

Crikey. Still nothing up on UK Steam for this one. Has anyone travelling received their tickets safe and sound?

 

ECS times in RTT now.
Outward: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63895/2015/10/10/advanced
Return: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63896/2015/10/10/advanced

 

Looks like no DL on the back in the morning so I really should be on it but opting to lineside instead as hopefully sunny

 

In fact 47760 on the back so made the right choice to lineside. Here is 61306 making a noisy departure from Andover.

Don

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It is bad enough when on the train, but even just as an observer it lessens the spectacle of steam racing along the mainline. Such a pity especially when 61306 has run often without a smelly on the back.

 

And it's not needed for any shunting move, the ECS normally goes to March and the loco turns on the triangle then back to Ely.

 

Going well ,even with the diesel.Should be a very enjoyable trip with lots to look at that is usually hidden.There was surely no chance that this would run without help,given the run out to Warminster.

 

On a trip to Ely from Newbury a couple of years ago, hauled by 70013 I think, it was mentioned that while it is still possible to water at Broxbourne outward Harlow is no longer possbile on the return. Returns from Ely are now usually via the East Coast Mainline and it is not always possible to have a water stop on the return. Althought there is a 10 minute stop at Royston it could be a concern whether 61306 will have enough water to get back to Southall.

 

Diesel on the back or not just about every video scene posted here shows the 4-6-0 making a lot of noise!

 

Passing through Hanwell this morning, plus a few from yesterday's turning move, also at Hanwell.

 

Yes it was noisy this morning. Nit really sure why the DL was needed

 

Or even not sure!...... I would like a DL free run with this engine but the trouble is its linked with Steam Dreams which seems to increase the chance of having one due to their love of complicated itineraries which take forever and involve the poor old support crews in the most horrendously long days.

 

Not just the support crew either - was chatting to the BTT driver at the Royston water stop (Dave I believe), and he had left the depot at 4am and was expecting to get back at 10pm having watered the loco at Salisbury, Broxbourne and Royston. It wouldn't happen without those guys...