46233 Southend-Gloucester “Cathedrals Express” 10/10/17

Load 10 and no diesel. The Duchess looked lovely in the sun at Gloucester.

 

Only doing 66 through Kemble. Light load 10. Into Sapperton Short Tunnel at 52.

 

I was at the tunnel entrance, looked a breeze for her and hardly any noise, apart from a sticking drain cock

 

That's a shame. Just been told we've lost Ray for the return. Reason unknown....

 

1700 Duchess not been turned yet. A mechanical issue is all I can get out of anyone. Looking at electrical stuff on tender. Asked one of team to get a 'smoke alarm' battery????? TPWS battery???? Who knows...

 

Oh dear . Keep us updated

 

Still not left Gloucester yet according to RTT. I can imagine a fair few passengers are starting to look at connections right about now. What was already a late arrival back could now be much later!

 

0Z75 just departed Southall - rescue diesel?

 

News relayed to the bunch at Sapperton: loco now sorted, loco to be turned ASAP

 

I don't think Gloucester likes lms locos. Princess Elizabeth had a problem this time last year

 

Sounds promising...the diesel timed to get there in time to leave by 9 ??? Southend eta small hours !! Come on Duchess, you can do it

 

Duchess on the move: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U62983/2017/10/10/advanced

 

If the Duchess is fixed what I would do to limit the delays would be Duchess to Milton Jn. and replace with Diesel. Hope not I was planning on catching it at Twyford.

 

Stock now back in the platform.

 

0Z75 has passed Milton Junction, heading for Swindon.

 

Bit concerned with the deisel pushing on. 33 early at Didcot... hope they’re not waiting at Gloucester for it

 

so, are we saying diesel to tow the duchess or attach on the rear?

 

A good idea, but looking at the current signalling diagram for Milton Jn, I don't know if it would work. Didcot it would be feasible for a loco change.
It's up to GW Route and WCRC control to fix something clever.

Cheers, Neil

 

On the move.

 

Diesel to attach at Swindon? Hopefully Sapperton unassisted.