Saphos Trains 2018

the latter I fear...

 

I'm actually with you Al. I'm watching and then giving one a go based on what they have published.

I think that they have a good product on offer that could be a great one if the insurance ran LE rather than attached.

Time will tell...

 

The diesel is definitely only there for insurance and ops assistance at locations etc.

 

But do the locations include Gresford, Llanvihangel etc?

 

Don't panic is what I was told, there will be no banking on the sly as it won't be permitted by the TOC unless its an emergency situation.

 

Although we all know that the man behind Saphos is very wealthy, money cannot necessarily buy you experience. To set up a new TOC and be running the first public trains in barely a year is an incredible achievement and of necessity means a very steep learning curve for the employees. In such circumstances, diesel-free runs which are the norm with DBC's trains hauled by Tornado and Clan Line (or West Coast's S&C and Jacobite workings for that matter) may be seen as a bit too risky at this stage.

When the set-up has found its feet (and a full rake of Mark 1s is available, thus removing the need for an ETH provider), who knows? Given that Steam Dreams has received some adverse feedback for its use of diesels on the back (see post #58 of this thread), I can imagine that Saphos will want to run diesel-free if realistically possible at some point in the future, but their understandably cautious approach with the first few trains has not deterred people from booking with them thus far.

 

Knowing the names of some employees I would suggest money can buy you experience.

 

For the past few years a few folks have moaned and groaned about things like 'tail gunners on the back'. Here's how I see it . There's a new TOC on the block, its an alternative to the status quo it's starting off with a few baby steps, give it time and let's see what happens.

 

Bulleid with two tone 47 on rear is a lovely photo op

 

30 minutes to the new dawn... Train is quite an interesting set up as I'm not sure what market they are aiming for. Loco, support coach 2 x Mark I dining, Mark I kitchen car that is not lettered but has some seats set up in it for use. Brake compo, compo 1st, 3 x coffin Mark II 1st, 1 x coffin and Mark II standard, green stunting unit. More plain 1st then anything else.

Time will tell, I'm keeping an open mind at the moment.

Andrew

 

A few miles into the journey

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124047467@N05/40555036095/in/dateposted-public/

 

A very short shot of 46100 purring past Bagillt this morning:

 

Anyone know why Royal Scot was 27 late off Holyhead and hasn’t been registered since?

 

Showing 32L at Bangor having just checked now. The next, I guess will be Llandudno Jct in about 5 mins.

 

Anybody from NP on board ? It looks from RTT as if the schedule and load was maybe 10 mins too tough for the Scot, the upside being no shovage?

Are the brake compo and compo 1st Mk 1s? Wondering about the chances of getting in one of them for the trip to Cardiff.

 

I was on it. I'm now not having given up at Llandudno.

The delay was caused by the tanker not making Valley so they had to water off a low pressure hydrant at Holyhead. There was then a track circuit failure before the long name place.

They only put enough water in to get to Llandudno hence the further delay there.

The only Mark Is are for dining, o was in 2nd passenger coach on the return and I just heard the loco twice at low speed.

Andrew

 

According to my son who lives locally, the train was pulled up at Gaerwen.

Bob.