The Great Britain IX

The cynic in me says Perm any two black fives from two then !

 

I'm sure the dreaded red Jubilee will be in there somewhere.

 

@meltonnorth posted in another thread that 46100 has been requested for the South West legs. I presume that means double-heading with Tangmere, and therefore one or the other will most likely do day 3 as well.

The line-side speculation on the SVR at the weekend was that Day 4 is likely to be 46233 running via Shap, rather than a Scot via the Coast, and that on Day 8 the Duchess will work the train south from Perth. It seems plausible and sensible to me, but I don't know the source of the rumour, so treat it with caution.

2 x Black 5 will almost certainly cover Edinburgh - Inverness - Far North - Perth, though I suppose RTC might shell out for the Duchess to work Edinburgh - Aberdeen (if she'll fit through all the bridge holes).

Anyway, isn't it nice to be speculating about the details of routes and loco roster, rather than whether the tour will run at all? There's sure to be a few last minute changes - there always are with GBs - but quedos and best of luck to everyone working to make it happen.

 

Its not authentic, but its lovely imho - People need to stop moaning about this its tiring!!!!

 

Have you seen it close up? I think it's been spray painted and even losing a digit with LMS on the tender it will still look awful. I think originally it was only supposed to be temporary.

 

I quite agree. I guess there are support crew issues, but I wouldn't say no to a sight of 45699 down here in the south.

Day 1 still showing 34067 and 34046. However, Icons of Steam seems to be suggesting a May relaunch for 34046 (temporarily aka 34052)

 

I'd much sooner moan about it being red than not running at all -- anyway if you try the colour isn't an issue !




And being serious just for a minute since several of the proposed engines are probably unavailable we'll just have to wait and see , personally I won't complain if the Duchess does work out of Perth. I've known that line since I was a youngster in the 60s, steam in Strathearn is impossible to resist and that would just be the highlight of the year.

@meltonnorth also mentioned something about this likely being the last GB - care to elaborate ?

 

Oh for goodness sake everyone! We have all spent months wondering if this would run at all, never mind what traction might or might not be provided. Surely its good enough that GB9 IS running and running steam hauled. I for one am looking forward to the first 3 days. Bring it on and I hope it all runs smoothly for everyone concerned.

 

Nice shot

Nigel has said this shortly before each of the last few GBs. However, this time, he might mean it...

 

Good news that this is definitely running and the £800 standard offer is a sensible move to fill the empty space.

I rang RTC to confirm if all was as advertised on the site and they said yes, but this does seem to conflict with melton north posting (last week on another thread) that 46100 will be hauling the train on the South-West legs. I have used RTC over many years now & I must confess that I still find it somewhat frustrating that although their employees are always most polite, for a specialist rail travel company they regularly seem to be rather badly informed on the sort of detail that specialist travellers are likely to ask.

Given that even if only one standard class coach is included that means at least 64 seats need to be sold in a very short timescale. If @meltonnorth or one of his staff could find time to update the website with revised loco expectations or even post details here I'm sure it would help with bookings (standard. first and premier) and fill at least some of the spare capacity.

I hope that the statement about this being likely to be the last GB is incorrect as until a couple of years ago it seemed to be very popular & usually fully booked. It was somewhat inevitable that demand this year would be well down on previous trips due to the 2015 debacle & ongoing concerns about WCR availability to operate. If GB9 turns out to be a success it is quite possible that those who have hesitated this time will be doubly keen to book in 2017.

 

I very much doubt johnb will be on the tour so wouldn't worry too much about his griping. Better a red Jubilee than a damn box any day IMO.

 

May I remind you of the 'Great Britain 8'. I'd much prefer to see a 'dreaded red Jubilee' hauling the 'Great Britain 9' than a dreaded red West Coast class 47 diesel.
The sight of a steam charter over the Devon banks with a diesel pilot at the front was enough to make a grown man cry. <BJ>

 

As requested.....
At c19.00 RTC had requested the following

34067/46100 Vic -Par; Pz -Brs. Gauging requested for 46100
46233 BTM -Carnforth via Hereford/Crewe
46115 Carnforth - coast - Edinburgh
2x5s Edinburgh-Wick via Aberdeen
5 Kyle
2x5s Inverness Perth
Perth - Carnforth Jub(s?) TBC
46233 Carnforth-Peterborough
DSL to KX

Please don't pm me or post negative comments- at least not if further updates are wanted from me!!

Nigel has told me several times it IS the last GB due to the stress/difficulty of arranging
Hotels for a large group for one night can be challenging as well!!
Pretty much an LMS flavour......
ND has been heartened by the initial response to the std. Class offer.............

Yes there may be further changes but the intention to go Penzance to Wick by steam has been met

This info is only accurate as at 19.38.......... !!!!

 

Ooh, a Duchess on the Marches..nice..

 

Even more interesting, 2 Black 5s on the far north line but plenty of Duchess mileage must please everyone.

 

Now I'm getting excited! Just need timings so I can work out where I'm going. B&B booked in Cornwall so bring it on!

 

Depending on how it goes if you want a 'last ever chance' photograph - the fields and site around penwethers viaduct in Truro are shortly to become a housing estate...

..assuming the development work doesn't start early this will probably be the last handle to photograph steam from that location (also without 283 houses as a backdrop)

I'm keen as mustard to get some decent shots on the pz-Bristol leg so if anyone would like to set up with me they are most welcome and I'll show you where to go - if anyone's interested I will take photos of the site tomorrow so you can all see the fab view..

 

Not the best pic as its from my phone but you get the idea - multiple places to stand, and a bridge over the railway so you can photo looking up as well

 

A Duchess over Llanvihangel & the Welsh Marches, has to be the highlight of the first three days for me. It will be a strange sight seeing Tangmere & Royal Scot paired together on the first two days. Hopefully 46100 is given the go ahead from Network Rail.