LMS 45690 Winter CME 21st Jan 2017

Not seen a thread for this anywhere . Times now up for the Coast run and Shap on the return .

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50522/2017/01/21/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50524/2017/01/21/advanced

 

According to realtime trains it looks like the tour is not taking the cumbrian coast route now, it is going straight up to carlisle via shap and back via shap as well. Timings now shown below

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50522/2017/01/21/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50524/2017/01/21/advanced

I'm travelling on this so a bit disappointed by the change but oh well, these things happen I guess. Please can anyone tell me why its been rerouted?

 

That is disappointing. I think pathing has been an issue northbound over the coast route with trains starting further south, but with an early start off ManVic a path had obviously been found for this one (as still shown on UK Steam), so cannot think why it's been changed. Popular clamour for more time in Carlisle, perhaps?

 

Thank you for your reply 5098. Might it be gauging issues that have caused the rerouting?

 

At least there is reasonable time for anyone not now suited to change or cancel their booking - provided RTC has informed its customers in a timely manner. Will the price be lowered to reflect the arguably inferior offering?
Have to say this is a pale shadow of the original double header and coastal route offered. Any bets on steam on/off Carnforth now too?

 

Seems a bit mad if it is indeed the situation where the Cumbrian Coast is harder to path than the WCML over Shap, that one takes some getting your head around.

 

26D_M in reply to where you said ''Any bets on steam on/off Carnforth now too'' the return from Carnforth to Manchester is due to be diesel hauled.

 

And thanks guys for your replies.

 

Quite so, I suspect there will be an understandable temptation from an operational perspective to add the steam at Carnforth too. The usual motive power for MCV originating trains at this time of year comes from Bury so not much in the way of positioning compared to a 10A based loco. Although the stock move originates there so its maybe not such an issue, aside for steam loco crew!

 

Well I have found out what the issue is as yesterday I emailed the railway touring company and have just got a reply. The reply I got is as follows:

We are in discussion with the locomotive owner as regards this as there appears to be a gauging issue with the planned route which we were previously not advised of. If the route is changed we will advise you when we have confirmation.

 

So as it stands the currently advertised route is barred and may have to be changed? A provisional alternative path using the direct route to Carlisle seems to have been reserved as a precautionary measure? No indication of when the final decision will be made or addendum to the advert to alert prospective customers that a change may be necessary?

 

26D_M, I'm not sure but I expect they'll probably make a final decision when the tickets are issued. And it doesn't make sense to me that they've changed the schedule on realtime even though RTC are still negotiating.

 

As regular readers may know I advocate clarity as far as is reasonably practicable. With 10 days to go and the tickets perhaps still a week from issue I would suggest it would be fairest to contact customers with a status update even if the advertised route ultimately proves possible.

 

Regarding your closing point, could it be there is a secondary issue with the proposed route? It takes 7 hours MCV to Carlisle by the coast. Add the positioning move and it seems likely multiple crews and TIs would be needed for the northbound journey so perhaps there is a practical necessity to shorten the day?

 

Your guess is as good as mine 26D_M

 

No WR path from Brewery Junction to Carnforth for the diesel on RTT yet. Hope that's an oversight.

 

It would be a huge surprise if this trip ran any part without a diesel on the back with steam up front. There are several totally legitimate reasons for this so it is not a dig at the operational management. As ever, though, there should be clarity in the marketing.

 

A diesel has been on the rear for the last two years, in regards to the first WCME ! Might of got away with it on the coastal route. It's usually a decent load for the first one too !

 

From the moment RTC declared the double header surplus to requirements a diesel became a near inevitability I would suggest.