The Magna Carta A1SLT/ UKRT 8th October

Departure/ arrival times for this tour now confirmed on UKRT website, with corresponding detail posted on RTT as follows:
KGX - Lincoln http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50623/2016/10/08/advanced
Lincoln - KGX http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50626/2016/10/08/advanced

I'm sure that there will be lots of interest in some of the intermediate running between station/ pathing/ water stops. One minor quibble, though; I'm not holding out too many hopes for a fast run on the Peterborough-Lincoln leg , despite the potential for sustained 70/75 mph running on the GN & GE Joint Line. The pattern of platform occupation at Lincoln Central is likely to mean that, as with previous outings like the Bittern Farewell, an early arrival in the Lincoln area will merely result in grinding to a halt at Signal SL7815 (?I think) at Sincil Bank as we endure a prolonged wait for our platform (P5) at Lincoln. So not too much incentive to put in a performance that gains significantly on the published schedule.

 

A1ST have advised me they are not expecting a diesel on the back, so I have booked.

 

Out: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50623/2016/10/08/advanced
Back: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50626/2016/10/08/advanced

Pity that despite the extra through platform on the up side we can't water at Peterborough and have a crack at Peterborough - Stevenage even time.

But as ever, let's see what happens on the day. 13 Aug 2016 didn't work out too bad...

 

KGX plat 6. Tornado has load 10 today incl generator. Diesel already uncoupled.

 

Through Hornsey on time.

 

KGX to PBR 20m 27s.
Stormed up Holloway but sig check before Fins Pk. Accel from 50 at Alex Pal to 54 at Hadley Wood.

 

NRE showing line closed between Peterborough and Spalding due to fatality.
Train stopped for water at Holme Jn, no communication onboard yet as to what's going to happen.

Update: Delayed start to watering as the tanker apparently 'went in the wrong gate'.

Still no official confirmation on route but rumour is that we'll divert to Lincoln via Newark.

 

PBR to SVG 20m 27s
Usual sig stop Digswell Jn.
Max 62 Hatfield and 67 before Langley Jn.

SVG to sig stop MP 68 39m 59s so even time.

Tanker delayed. Now taking water.

 

Watering done, awaiting path.
Now been confirmed on train that we're diverting via Newark.

 

Just leaving Peterborough, about 30 late

 

Into Lincoln Platform 5 at 13.41, 54 down.

 

Well we certainly avoided Sleaford - by about 20 miles.
Hopes of a good run on ECML not realised with SL up to Stoke and slow recovery down other side - then put in Claypole loop and followed stopper from Newark.

But well done to all responsible for sorting the rerouting.

Gather we'll be going back via Newark as booked so I'm still hoping to do the joint line with steam one day - last year's Lindum Fayre behind Duchess had shoveage.

This is only second attempt mind you. It was fifth time lucky getting steam into Liverpool St after 2 failures with the B1 and 2 tours stopped short at Stratford.

 

How and where are the going to turn the loco?

 

Thanks, I should have checked my Baker before posting. I always thought that most Lincoln bound railtours went out via Spalding and back via Newark, because they couldn't turn.

 

Just leaving Lincoln, 15 late, back via Newark.
Stock arrived late and then entirety of standard class had to load through one door as the rest of the train was off the platform.

 

A short clip from a gloomy Arlesey this morning.