West Somerset Steam Express 2016

The first of this season's RTC West Somerset Steam Express from Paddington to Minehead is on Saturday 16 July. The RTC website shows mainline haulage by 46233 or 70013, in which case it should be diesel-free. But I guess that 45699 might still be an option. I am not sure how near 70013 is to being ready. Haulage on the WSR from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return has not yet been announced, but will probably be by 6960 or an S&D 7F.

David

 

Bearing in mind NR's tardiness, there's not much time for 46233 or 45699 to be gauged over the route.

 

46115 now working this and Swanage Belle according to an email just received from RTC. AN

 

46115 (no diesel ?) on the mainline. 6960 on the WSR.

David

 

Is the plan for 6960 to pilot 46115 over the WSR or is there going to be an engine change at Bishops Lydeard? When I did the trip last it was double-headed over the WSR - the load was 12 on that occasion.

 

Two Royal Scots on the main line at Taunton within a week.

Can't be bad. <BJ>

 

My understanding is that it is to be loco change at BL.

Robin

 

Has 46115 visited line before?

 

UKSteam.info suggests that 46115 is hauling Paddington-Bishops Lydeard & return whilst 6960 does the WSR section to Minehead and back. just gotta wait for the tickets to arrive

 

Don't think so. The last time she came South in 2010 she went to Weymouth via Yeovil and that was about it. She went straight back to Carnforth after that trip. Sister Loco 46100 visited the WSR some years ago in her 6100 guise.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

No it hasn't - 46100 has though

 

Never happened in steam days. In fact, I don't think a Royal Scot class loco ever ventured south of Bristol or maybe Weston-Super-Mare on a Summer Saturday. Becoming common as muck!!

 

Rode behind 6960 the other day. Phenomenal sound track on the climbs and little respect for the 25mph in places. Made a great day. So lucky punters with 46115 and 6960 on the same day!

 

If it's load 11 for Saturday, do you think 6960 will be OK with that on the hook ? IMO it's Asking a lot, especially on the climb to Washford.

 

Shame not double headed 7f again

 

The outbound timings are now available thanks to RTT. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54506/2016/07/16/advanced

 

While the load for these trips is usually 11, the support coach will come off at Bishops Lydeard.

 

E-ticket arrived with full timings. Return is Depart Minehead 17:15. Arrive Padd 23:13

8 passenger carrying vehicles listed. Presumeably 1 more for catering and 1 support coach so 10 total?

 

Loaf nine should be OK. It will give the Hall a stern test though.