A1ST Bath Spa Christmas Ex 1/12/16

Despite having the tickets with confirmed timings, 0943 off; rtn 2205, still can't find the full timings. Bit odd that.

 

Fingers crossed that the Bath to Bristol route doesn't suffer the same fate as on Saturday.

See the Realtime Trains log for the day at Bath Spa and note services, or lack of, between 08:40 and 21:00.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/BTH/2016/11/26/0000-2359?stp=WVSC&show=all&order=wtt

Signals were affected by a power supply problem. <BJ>

 

The timings are out now:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53012/2016/12/01/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53017/2016/12/01/advanced

 

Bit of clarification needed here I think. According to the A1SLT website, this tour is (and I quote) A1SLT promoted tour, bookings through UK Railtours.

I assume that this means all the financial risk is taken by A1SLT and that UK Railtours take the bookings and process tickets for a fee. Not trying to detract from the contribution UKRT make, but the effort the A1 folks put into panning and operating these tours should be noted.

 

Ah, but when tour companies hire a loco, it is the tour company that takes the financial hit if things go belly up as they are responsible for promoting, planning, etc. The loco hire is a fixed fee and any profit goes to the promoter.

With the A1SLT, they take all the risk and undertake the planning, promotion and operation of the railtours. UKRT (I assume) take a per-ticket processing fee and any profit goes back into the coffers for the A1SLT to put towards.......whatever they decide to build next!

 

This should be a good tour to be on today Mr. Shireman. Good weather and, after the initial shove, diesel free. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53013/2016/12/01/advanced

 

Shame we've only got load 10. Not many passenger carrying carriages as got support, Generator Car, Compartment First (for guests I think), and Kitchen Car on. Only one standard class plus seats in buffet. We're in the standard, Coach F, tail end Charlie at Victoria.

 

Class 67 uncoupled. Shouldn't need a shove really.

 

Falling asleep behind Weybridge Stopper so decided to have bottle of Old Speckled Hen.

 

Stuck at Newbury Racecourse. Whistle not working!!!

 

Still sat at Newbury Racecourse, the whistle's refusing to cooperate. Had a very pleasant dash to the water stop, going from 8 down at Reading to RT at Newbury. With cloudless skies to boot!

 

Chime whistle now being used but stuck behind 1309 Bedwyn.

 

According to RTT arrived BTM 1 early

 

Try 41 late

 

Jim got a bit ambitious following Bedwyn Stopper. 68 after Hungerford then hit brakes. 25 at mp64 3/4; 61 at Savernake Summit, MP70 and a bit. Max 73 Bath-BTM just b4 Foxes Wood Tunnel.

 

Strange. I thought it looked odd when compared to your commentary. Just rechecked and now RTT is showing the correct times! Better luck on the return leg.

 

Reading and leaving Newbury. Was it only the whistle that caused delay at the Racecourse or was there a problem slipping on very icy rails? From our vantage point there seemed to be big clouds of steam then nothing and then big clouds again implying some difficulty in starting away.

 

My humble offering from Crofton this afternoon.