Buxton Spa Express - Feb 2017

I could drive up and photograph it. Wouldn't cost much and my lens wouldn't reach the back end.

 

I have been considering the second one on 25th, which would be possible with an early train from the south the join the railtour at Manchester. But the downside is that quite a bit of the ride will be in the dark.

 

RTC brochure indicates a different route on the 25th. Is this correct? Makes a double booking look likely.

 

Different route as it goes through Sheffield on 25.

 

Hearing reports from several sources that 4 Feb has been cancelled. Suspect I'll get a letter today, but this leaves quite a few people high and dry with hotels and train tickets. I hear it is due to lack of bookings.

 

With such an interesting route, double headed steam & the probable lack of diesel assistance it doesn't bode well for their less attractive tour offerings.

 

It's no longer showing on the online booking form so looks like you are right.

Dave B

 

I cited lack of bookings from 76084's Twitter feed. Since then, another possible reason cited was engineering around Euxton/Bolton screwing up morning paths in the area.

 

I was down for the run on the 25th but had to cancel as there is no train from Sandbach which will get me to any of the departure stations for the amended times. I should not be surprised if the 25th ends up also cancelled.

 

That one's evens. I might transfer, but not particularly keen on training it and going to Preston on return for a trundle back to Manchester by diesel. Might just save the trouble by driving there and back. I'm lucky in that I only have to dash 100 miles over the Pennines, it's those from further afield that I feel sorry for.

 

I'm with you on that. Doing two trips to Buxton in one month, with hindsight, seemed too good to be true, which usually means it is.

If there was only the one choice, then it would have probably run. Instead, they have both poached each other's custom, and the margin might have been as thin as half a carriage more bookings for the 25th. It pretty much confirms a previous observation I have made: we'll have to get used to these shenanigans with firms offering repeat itinerary trips.

 

It was going Bolton to Blackburn past the site of 76084 old shed, Lower Darwen. Nothing to do with Bolton to Euxton

 

Empty stock needs to get to Victoria from Carnforth, and if Euxton Jcn is out, then nothing gets through.

 

WCML to Golborne Jct, then to Parkside East Jct and across the Moss to Vic.

 

Depends on whether there is a possession that encompasses the WCML as well. Last year, I seem to recall one or two trains departing from Victoria were stabled at Blackburn overnight as a result of possessions further north. The engineering suggestion was posted on 76084's Twitter, although it's rather academic now that cancellation due to lack of passengers has been confirmed.

 

Buxton in February is definitely one for the enthusiasts. In summer it's a lovely destination; licking ice creams in the Pavilion Gardens in high summer cannot be beaten.

 

Maybe the Mods could change the title of this thread to just Buxton Spa Express.

RTC did run the Welsh Mountaineer last year with Scots Guardsman. It was a tour I wish I had made.

Promoters need to get with the programme very quickly. Enthusiasts come from all parts of the country to use their services. That often involves non refundable travel and accommodation. The cost of the ticket can be but a fraction of the total costs. Every time this happens then it is a nail in the coffin of the operator. Trust is very hard to win, but incredibly easy to throw away!