RTC's The End of Southern Steam, 08/07/17

Timings are now up for this. 09:00 departure, heading out via Twickenham, and looks diesel-free to Yeovil. There's also a quick water stop at Winchfield. On the return, there's the expected assistance up the hill, and a stop at Eastleigh, presumably for water. Arrival at Waterloo will be 21:47, using the fast lines.

 

I would love it to be diesel-free, but unless I've missed something I can't see an LE move out of Waterloo or into Yeovil Jn.?

 

The Railtour info website (not uk steam info) has it operating as shown here:

Saturday 8th July The End of Southern Steam

London Waterloo to Yeovil Pen Mill : 34046 + 47/57 (WCRC) (T&T)

Yeovil Pen Mill Weymouth : 47/57 (WCRC)

Weymouth London Waterloo : 34046 + 47/57 (WCRC) (T&T)

I guess NR are still nervous about the New Forest section?

 

I also suspect that on top of the potential New Forest fire hazard, there's the issue of getting up Upwey Bank. It wasn't unexpected, as there was no other way of getting to Weymouth from Yeovil, and dragging tail-end Charlie saves an extra path.

 

I'm well aware of the reasons, but it does seem a shame that RTC/WCRC could not have produced something a bit special for this trip. Other than the Waterloo departure, it seems identical to the Weymouth trips which RTC have operated for many years now,complete with the stagger via Staines on the outward, and the diesel on the back(or front from Yeovil to Weymouth) all day. Massive contrast to the UKRT/DBC show the next day.

 

At least going through Twickenham reduces the amount of staggering a bit. It's turned out to be a bit of a bonus for myself as I haven't done that particular section by steam.

 

Of course it has to be banked through Upwey, that's a given, but as a Dorset resident I wonder how much of the return leg up the bank will actually be full on haulage as opposed to shoving? Reason for wondering is with the ever encroaching greenery there are some better viewing/photo options on the downhill side around the ex-Came Down Halt site for this chimney first up run but the potential volume is uphill.

 

Ironically the only part with no diesel is the part with no passengers, as according to the Yeovil Centre website and a path in RTT Braunton travels LE ( I assume plus SC) from Yeovil to Weymouth

 

It's light engine without a support coach to Weymouth.

James

 

The charter notice produced by NR stated that the diesel is to be detached at Eastleigh and run LE to Waterloo thus providing 34046/52 with a diesel free run from Eastleigh at the very least. I couldn't see the LE move in RTT earlier today after the main train had been uploaded but this has now appeared as 0Z70, departing 4 mins after the rest of the train departs and running via way of Staines and Hounslow to Waterloo to take the ECS back out:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53507/2017/07/08/advanced

Usual caveats about any operational issues/weather restrictions on the day do apply though.

 

I did think that might happen. We'll see on the day.

 

Does it really matter

 

As it happens, yes,very much, to a lot of people including myself!

 

Hoping to see the charter go through on my way to the Mid-Hants railway. Any recomended viewing spots that won't make it a pain in the neck to then get to Alton at a sensible time?

 

50 years ago in 18 minutes time, 82029, which has been on station pilot duty all night, will leave London for the last time on the 07.18 to Salisbury. At 08.35, 35023 will work to Weymouth. At 09.00 today, 34046 as 34052 will depart Waterloo for Weymouth. Amazing really.

50 years ago, 34046 had already been at Barry for 18 months and would stay there for about 20 more years. 34052 and 35023 would go to Newport and be gone by mid 68. Such is the lottery of life.

 

Can't see any RTT links for this. Can anyone post please.

 

1Z67 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53500/2017/07/08/advanced
1Z68 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53501/2017/07/08/advanced (diesel from Yeovil to Weymouth)
1Z69 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53502/2017/07/08/advanced

 

Seek and ye shall find. Here's the outward run
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53500/2017/07/08/advanced

 

Edit : free2grice beat me to it.

 

free2 grace ? I'm not so sure about that. Thanks all the same though. <BJ>