The Mayflower 17th June 2017: Now 15/04/18

Just noticed this listed on UK Steam

"Join us for a fantastic day out behind LNER B1 no. 61306 “Mayflower” as she powers us through East Anglia to become the first steam locomotive in decades to visit Ipswich Griffin Wharf, a rare steam run from Harwich Town AND a proposed first ever steam hauled trip “cross docks” at Felixstowe!"

See http://www.charity-railtours.co.uk/futuretours.html

 

Yes. Good trip, but shame I'm in Finland.

 

This trip has been re-dated to 17 June 2017 (mods: change the thread title?), and bookings are now open. Have booked it myself so its in the diary as its a worthy cause.

 

Email received today from Charity Railtours : -

" I have just been advised by the owner of 61306 that repair work to the locomotive is now going to take far longer than planned and as such she will not be available to haul The Mayflower on June 17th.

Unfortunately a number of additional defects have been identified with 61306, which has delayed the reassembly and boiler-testing etc. Interest in this train has been understandably phenomenal with many passengers booking as early as January last year.

It is hoped 61306 will begin testing in June and so I am looking at new dates towards the end of summer or early autumn."

 

Strange, I have yet to receive an email. As long as it remains on a Saturday, I'll transfer my booking.

 

I booked earlier this month and they advised me I would be added their the mailing list.

 

Got an email last night that three dates have been identified where the complete route is available to run the tour. 61306 and rolling stock availability are now being confirmed before a final decision is made.

 

Had an email today stating that no rolling stock is available for this trip late summer/early autumn. Consequently, it has been put back once again to March next year.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to steam across Felixstowe dock will be lost, although the port authority has suggested that the trip head to the South Dock instead.

From doing a bit of Google mapping, the consequent lack of turning facilities might mean some more diesel mileage as I believe the nearest place to turn would be Bacon Factory Curve; the alternative is diesel all the way back to Harwich. Still a fair bit of rare steam mileage and it's a good cause so I'm sticking with it.

 

Email received today : -
61306 "Mayflower" repairs progressing but Hutchinson Ports regrettably withdraw permission to visit Felixstowe.
It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that Hutchinson Ports have withdrawn their offer to allow The Mayflower to traverse their infrastructure for a visit to Felixstowe South.

The specific reason is not known but local Port Management who have been supportive of Charity Railtours throughout have been instructed to decline our visit.

We really have suffered far more than our fair share of "spanners" whilst trying our best to see this great train run and I can only apologise to those of you who have been so patient in maintaining your bookings.

Reassembly of 61306 after her extensive overhaul is now progressing well with hydraulic testing due next month and hopefully the boiler will be back on site in October.

Meanwhile, the fight continues: I have now drawn-up a proposal for an alternative itinerary which has been submitted to WCRC for their approval and I shall update you all once we have confirmation this new version can be resourced.

Briefly, we intend to run steam-hauled from Ealing Broadway via the North London Line to Stratford where the rear loco will haul us to Liverpool Street. As before, 61306 will then take us down the GEML via Colchester and Ipswich where we shall branch right for the East Suffolk Line to Saxmundham and then onto the freight-only branch to the level crossing at Sizewell.

Our diesel will then drag us back to Ipswich and Halifax Junction for 61306 to lead us to the blocks at Griffin Wharf.

The diesel will then haul us to Harwich Town as before, before 61306 takes over for the run to Manningtree and Liverpool Street. The final leg sees the diesel then haul us via Bethnal Green and Navarino Road Junction back to Ealing Broadway.

So we retain Griffin Wharf and Harwich Town and I do hope the addition of a rare steam run to Sizewell will make up in some way for the disappointment of not reaching Felixstowe.

Proposed operating date is still Saturday 14th April 2018.

 

Still a good day out, and a real effort is clearly being made to get some freight only track in. Felixstowe will have to wait for another day...

 

Now Sunday 15th April 2018,due to pathing.

 

Hopefully it'll stop being pushed around and settle down after this.

 

I feel short changed by that one!

 

Email Just received : -

Boiler test imminent for 61306
I am informed by the owner of 61306, that it is hoped her boiler test will take place very soon, hopefully by the end of the month, which will be a major step towards Mayflower's long-awaited return to service.

In the meantime, tickets for "The Mayflower" have continued to sell steadily and we are now down to the last 100 seats remaining available.

Standard Class tickets are priced at £84 with a very limited number of seats available in Standard Class PLUS, costing £99 (These seats are situated in Standard Open carriages, with tables and four seats on one side of the aisle and tables with two seats, to the other side - all Tables-for-Two currently booked).

Due to the numerous set-backs/postponements we have encountered and the resultant cancellations, our finances have taken a pounding so I am pushing to sell every last ticket. To that end, do please spread the word about The Mayflower - a rare chance to travel by steam train over the remains of the Aldeburgh branch, Griffin Wharf and Harwich Town.

Full details of the itinerary can be found here.

We plan to have a buffet car within the formation, providing refreshments and light meals which can be purchased and taken back to your seat. We might also have a small selection of real ales to enjoy, too!

Dennis Barnes
Founder, Charity Railtours

​

 

Excellent itinerary.

 

The itinerary has received another tweak due to engineering works. Pickups in London will now be from Highbury & Islington and Stratford only. The rest of the trip runs as advertised to Sizewell, Griffin Wharf, Harwich, and a run into Liverpool Street on the return.

 

And so it goes on... 61306 declared out of gauge through the down platform at Woodbridge, so one of the Riley fives is being proposed pending gauging by NR. Got to feel for the chap organising the trip. Let's see what difference just under three or so inches makes!

 

So many obstacles in his way; I want to make a space in my diary ...

 

It finally looks rather positive, as an email has been received with the implication that a Black Five will fit through Woodbridge. Tickets will be sent the middle of this month, and passengers are requested to keep a lookout for final timings. So after a fair dose of trial and tribulation, this gets my vote for 'The tour that wouldn't die' award 2018. Its all in a good cause and I am very much looking forward to it.