Cathex Ashford Int > Salisbury 12th December

Slated to be run by Mayflower, no times on RTT, the Steam Dreams web site is down, but some outline times on OTT

http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U63963/2015-12-12

 

I notice on the return a half hour stop at Hanwell

http://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U63960/2015-12-12

A water stop or a "ditch Mayflower here" stop?

 

Its for a DL to take over. There still seems to be a problem with RTT picking up WCR times though OTT is OK

 

AE = Stops to attach/detach assisting locomotive.

 

Timings now available thanks to Steam Dreams. <BJ>
http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

 

Mayflower failed FTR, now diesel.

 

Failed FTR, diesel substitute:

http://www.steamdreams.com/Executables/GT410WebContent.exe?&ActionCode=update&SS=SDSVR01

 

Cracked axle box? lengthy job? wheel drop needed? Black fives coming down to rescue the rest of the season?

Well I suppose thats saved me an early start, and a soaking ( the weather promises to be crap) and I have the BBP to fall back on.

 

"As no steam traction will be possible, the trip will be hauled by a vintage diesel" Talk about sugar coating the use of a 47 ! How long have they been classed as Vintage ?

 

Well its older than the motive power heading tomorrows BBP.

Edit, in fact it will be older than the combined age of the motive power up front and on the back of tomorrows BBP.

 

The 47s have provided a helpful service this week.

Tangmere failed at Bristol last Saturday and Mayflower is a non starter today.

Roll on 2016. <BJ>

 

Depends if they have a spare one knocking around. Or can they do a weld repair on an axlebox?
SD must be biting their nails as 61306 was the motive power for the rest of their 2015 programme.
Calling Riley International Rescue.......Calling Riley International Rescue.......

 

Since they became old hat.

 

Indeed yes and very fine long lived engines they are. I timed many very good runs with them in the 1970s and 80s including one on the WR where we kept the HST schedule to Cardiff with no less than six separate 100 mph max plus 104 mph run on the MML and no less than 107 mph on the SR. Dosent change my view though that they should not be involved with steam specials. If back up is required send the 47 behind the steam spl provided a path is available. This was done at some stage back in the 1990s if my memory is correct

 

One of the Riley 5's is now on the NYMR for the Christmas season, so presumably 45407 is available unless undergoing any winter maintenance.
I bet Ian will have work for 45212 when the overhaul is complete.

46118

 

Tangmere could step in for 61306, but as it has been a bit frail recently, some sort of backup wouldn't be a bad idea if something can be found at short notice. 45407 stands out as the obvious engine if it is still available and Ian Riley is willing.

 

And that turned into a disaster that will remain on the cutting room floor.

 

Meanwhile a perfectly serviceable A1, with all the reliability in the world, lies idle, due to some ones intransigence.....

bet they wish they had her at there disposal, however you put all your eggs in one basket and all that.....

 

Totally agree. It does seem rather ridiculous that the very reliable A1 sits cold as a fairly big programme of steam tours face cancellation or diesel haulage due to other loco's dropping like flies.

 

All down to WCRC who turned down the opportunity to work with the A1