UK Railtours - End of Southern Steam - 2017 Commemoratives

Whilst I don't want to get all misty-eyed as we drift off into "Wouldn't it be nice" territory, I can say that all the suggestions put forward in postings since mine of yesterday have already been given an airing in our marketing committee discussions. None at all have been rejected, and - provided this year's trips are financially successful (that is imperative) - then they will doubtless be up for discussion for 2018 and beyond.
The 'big push' for this year now has to be filling the '50th anniversary' commemorative trains; I doubt that anything more will be added to the already published programme, other than a Christmas operation in December, but you never know. I certainly can envisage 35028 turning up at both Minehead and Kingswear sometime in the foreseeable future; it's just how we do it that has to be looked at carefully. At the risk of being overly-repetative, the words "commercially and operationally robust" have always got to be at the forefront of our thoughts.
If I might put in a 'plug' for "Clan Line", the loco has been one of the most active on the main-line since the return of steam in 1971. Not only does 2017 mark the 50th anniversary of its withdrawal from BR service, but also the 50th anniversary of its ownership by the MNLPS. The fourth major overhaul in our ownership is just being completed, and we are one of the very few main-line locos that is not owned by a fairly wealthy - or very wealthy - businessman, and has never received a penny in lottery funding. The reason I keep banging on about the money side of things is that the MNLPS committee is 100% aware that we are transient and mortal, but "Clan Line" is here for all time; thus as her present 'guardians and custodians' we are duty-bound to keep her in the best possible condition for the benefit of future generations. So as part of this we are already thinking ahead to the NEXT 10-year overhaul, which the Stewarts Lane crystal ball tells us will probably require at least one million pounds to fund! That means banking an average of £100,000 in net profit every year, without making allowances for contingencies! A decade of 'squeaky bum time' to be sure.
Therefore, if you'd like to join us for the ride - literally and/or metaphorically - please give consideration to joining the society; every little helps. We're looking at ways to give a bit more 'benefit' to members than hitherto, and we're not such a studious and straight-laced bunch as you might imagine. Full details, as ever, can be found at www.clan-line.org.uk

 

There is a restriction on locomotives (inc diesel) on the pier section of Portsmouth Harbour station at the moment.
I believe Network Rail would block the idea at the starting blocks!

 

I hope you will be driving No 28 on 9th July Wayne (and on 27th May)

 

i have just watched a video of the woking 100 runs, seeing 30055 doing shunt release, now, that the one detail that will be missing on the tours a tank loco to drag the stock back to clapham, its a pity none of tysley's panniers mainline reg are air fitted , or are they? didnt former WR panniers get transfered to nine elms for empty stock workings?
yes Don, i am going to wash my mouth out saying WR on a waterloo sunset post

 

Have been instructed by those up high 'don't even think about asking for leave around those dates!'.
Also, of course, 5th July. So will be involved, but won't know which bits until much later.

 

Just been informed the 27th ACE postponed to 23rd Sep due to gauge issues at Thatcham and Clan Line overhaul slippage

I can't make the new date so i will be claiming full refund

 

Same here.

 

Couldn't agree more. Only odd thing about the date is a Belmond Pullman was scheduled.

 

That is a relief. I was a little worried that 35028 would be thrown in at the deep end so to speak. At least she will be well run-in before tackling any of the SR Anniversary runs.
I just hope the change over of SWT to the new operator in August doesn't throw a spanner in the works for the new September date.

 

I am less than satisfied with the change of date but even less surprised. The UK mainline steam business remains one that is oversold and under delivers. The choice of this tour was not mine, and I tried to warn the others of my party that this tour was always going to be "a chancer" (in fact a "no chancer") but I had no answer to the comment "But why would they advertise it if it wasn't going to run" Its a very valid question.

Of course its not all the fault of the promoters (tho they do appear at times to live in fairy land when they propose these tours), a recurring theme is the shameful inability of Network Rail to keep the network in gauge. (or even know what the hell is going on)

 

Good thinking to postpone maybe but the new date isn't good as it's right in the middle of the Severn Valley Autumn Steam Gala. I'm not missing that so I'm afraid I shall be asking for a refund on this one. Not too worried to be honest - the main event for me is the 9th July run

 

To their credit UKRT have addressed the issue in good time. Other promoters I could mention sometimes change or cancel tours with just a few days notice.

 

Thats the point. There wasn't. It was obvious to even a casual observer that rostering this loco on that date was unfeasible. As a casual observer I knew it, others in my party would not accept that a promoter would act in such a wilfully unrealistic manner. I assumed that Clan Line would not make that date, and assumed that another loco would stand in. (with a revised route maybe)

Except of course when the revised date is unsuitable.

Based on experience I am reluctant to book rail tours. Its sad to say my experience has not let me down. Still as was mentioned the promoter quickly acted when the inevitable happened so I'll get a full refund. Some other poor punters dont even get that.

 

I doubt that China Rail will have time to change the livery or the letterheads, let alone fiddle with the scheduling by that date.

 

Said me at the time of booking, and clearly current circumstances justify such doubts

Of course I do, I can read as well as you can , and you can stop being so personally condescending and sarcastic. Stick to discussing the post and the circumstances and keep personal remarks out of it.