LMS 45690 Winter CME 21st Jan 2017

Three shots from Galgate, Docker and Shap Wells.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/32066693190/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/32404727366/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/32066791850/

 

some good 37 thrash on the films of todays trip.....

 

Errm. Vintage Trains is.

 

Anyone pick up on the crackling sound from the exhaust ? Sounded really off on the return at Hardale Quarry ! I think if I was on board and freezing my knackers off I would of been a tad happy at the arrival of the 47 at Carnforth, after already being on the train since 7am.

 

Leander got back to Carnforth a few minutes late, so perhaps there was a problem and that is why it didn't work to Preston. Andrew N

 

Fair point. But you do have a robust business model more akin to commerce than charity. You invest those profits in high quality maintenance. You take on contract work to generate revenue that again supports assets. And all that it to the credit of VT. And you are also a Limited Company.

 

We were told it was 'due' to heating issues affecting 5 carriages, I take that as further care for those actually travelling today.

 

Great selection of photos and videos from todays WCME, and there were a lot of you out there.

As a passenger on today’s charter, I enjoyed it, along with most of the passengers in my carriage, judging by the chatter.

Yes it was cold, and there was a problem with the train heating, due to diesel traction failure, as already mentioned, and everyone appeared to have dressed in warm clothing anyway – as advised by RTC in their ticket letter. On the return journey a lucky passenger who won the raffle bottle of Whiskey, went around offering a drink to the other passengers – to keep them warm; good British humour!

RTC staff kept every one informed, and tried to help make some passengers comfortable by moving them into another carriage, as well as WCRC trying fix the heating problem whilst at Carnforth, including providing a new diesel unit, but it was not possible.

Operationally, from a customer service perspective, every effort was made to sort the issue under the circumstances – and yes it was a nice sunny day!

One a final comment. Twenty one days into 2017, and on the first main line steam charter of the year, it was disappointing to see the usual, repetitive, adverse comments, from the same posters, on their favourite subjects.

So, for 2017 – and beyond! from me, thank you RTC, SD, WCRC and not forgetting VT, DBC; the main line certified locomotive owners, and their support crews, for providing the rare opportunity, to see, and travel on, steam hauled trains today.

 

Nice to see a post from someone who was on the train as opposed to those posting from the comfort of their armchairs.

 

Especially one with positivity as opposed to the negativity we get from the usual suspects.

Dave B

 

Well with tours being cancelled due to a lack of bookings, the prediction of the market being doomed is not that far off the mark. But keep your head in the sand and maintain your apologist stance for the unacceptable way certain tour operators mislead their clientele.

 

Ah the broken record plays again.
I've news for you, tours being cancelled through lack of bookings is nothing new.

 

It does seem clear that perceptions are quite polarised from those that regard the TOC and promoters as plucky quasi charitable activities who should be cut slack, through to others who see them as purely business ventures to which normal trading rules apply.

 

Despite a few problems, it seems to have been a successful tour.

Here are another couple of images from yesterday:

Heading north at Beck Foot after it's stop in Grayrigg loop

http://www.crozierphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/2901/category/583

And it failing light, after a slightly late departure, Leander heads south at Brisco Hill

http://www.crozierphotography.co.uk/picture.php?/2902/category/583

Steven

 

LMS 5XP Class 4-6-0 No. 45690 'Leander' races through Oxenholme with the returning 'Cumbrian Mountain Express'

 

My video shot at Lancaster and Oxenholme

 

If people want what's advertised, have a look at the SRPS tour list which is starting to come out. Might not have the plush premier dining of others, but you will get working steam heat and ETH, clean and comfy coaches and a customer service beaten by no others.

Whilst there aren't many tours - quality over quantity any day!

 

Not many people were on the sunny side at Lancaster, probably due to the possible conflict with service trains....

 

Here are a couple from Oxenholme: