RTC Flying Scotsman/Black 5s to Carlisle 23rd January

Havent seen a thread for this yet. We plan to book even though it will probably mean a 2 am start from home and a 500 mile round trip drive or staying overnight on Friday in Manchester. Is this likely to be FS hauled and if so is it likely to take a minder? The running in trips on the ELR on 9th and 16th January are hardly a real test. Maybe there will be a loaded test run at some stage. Maybe Mr Riley could comment

Thanks

 

You may plan to book, but you will probably get the same answer as me, that is, it has been fully booked for weeks now !
As regards running in, i'm 99% sure there will be a minimum 1000 miles of accumulated mileage accrued before she is allowed any where near the main line, then a loaded test must take place.

 

Brave people booking on the early trips......

 

Just looking at my calendar - that gives roughly 10 days from now to complete, steam test, fettle, trundle up and down the ELR a bit bearing in mind Christmas. I fully expect Ian Riley to be able to do it, but its still tight timings including a main line test run before 23rd of Jan. Not being critical here in any way, just plenty of burning the candle at both ends I would imagine!!

 

Ive been on this trip for the last two years but was foiled by 'Scotsman mania' when I tried to book back in October.

 

I must admit, i have to be sceptical that 60103 will be ready in time for this run, there may not be enough time to do the required testing , and then the mainline tests , i expect that mid February/ early March may be a more of a realistic date for 60103 to undertake her first post restoration rail tour, plas inst there a repaint to do inbetween the testing and the first tour?

 

To be fair the possibility of 60103 not being ready for 23rd January has been tacitly acknowledged in the promotions by stating two black fives will substitute in that event.

 

Booked on this as soon as it was announced, and looking forward to it,
I remember seeing a post from Ian Riley quoting "that his STEED" will be ready for the 23rd, but agree to other posters it will be tight. With that sort of statement, you can be sure his team will be doing their best.
Perhaps, the actual test run will be this trip?
Would not be too surprised if a diesel is attached, just as insurance, or WCRC having a standby diesel somewhere, as this trip will attract a lot of publicity from local and national media.

 

To all intents and purposes, as far as intended reliability is concerned, 'Scotsman' is a Riley loco!

Much proving and running-in running is planned early January, prior to the ELR event weekends, and a 'Light' and 'Loaded' 'mainline' test run is booked prior to the CME...........and with regards to the seriously protracted delays with other 'mainline' locos as listed above by others, their overhaul wasn't from our works!.....and incidentally, I have insisted that WCR provide an ETC loco at the rear of the consist to ensure that the January temperatures are combated....and to assist if need be with our newbie steed?.....I never take chances unless I am 100% proven sure!

 

There is also a telling comment in the latest SR attributed to Ian Riley. I write 'attributed' because the enthusiast media is pretty poor. But if he did say it, then it is quite illuminating.

 

Standby will be 3 black fives coupled to the tender ,i can see Ian's excuse, "We just couldnt leave them behind" , they sulk if we go out with out them,

 

All the speculation in the world won't make any difference to what happens over the next 6 weeks or so and there is a plan B too, which makes for a change.

 

Nobody sings the blues like Eric likes this

 

Brave words indeed!

 

Four seconds of pure magic at 1.38.

 

Aye Sniffer

 

Respect ! I just hope the extra two pairs of wheels dont screw your reliability record up....