'Cathedrals Express'. 28/06/18

Took the train through Southall and number 9 looked lovely in steam being coaled in preparation for tomorrow.

 

Well maybe, but really what is the point? At best it will have a diesel "tucked inside", at worst on the front. Either way a bit of a farce.

 

Why a bit of a "farce".
At least SD/ WCRC (at extra costs) and owner, John Cameron, are still happy to supply and operate 60009, for the benefit of the 300 plus fare paying passengers, who after all just want a nice day out, which will have a steam locomotive in the train consist.
I call that good customer service.
I am sure that under the current NR restrictions on steam locomotive operations, a majority of the passengers will be quite happy with this outcome.

 

The real farce is those not on it bellyaching on behalf of... whom? A nice cool morning in London, anyway.

 

Gen from the stewards is that the DL is tucked inside, so still not a farce in my book. It's not ideal, but it's not a farce.

 

Spotted at Clapham Jn, 47580 County of Essex tucked inside.

 

Well to be fair, putting on a good show, whistling a lot and trying to disguise the 47 behind a dark smoke cloud

 

Reigate this morning...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/29188736348/in/dateposted-public/

 

My efforts from this morning at Hooley. I'm just grateful they didn't use a diesel pilot, and that 60009 was producing some exhaust despite not doing much. Thanks to the driver for the whistle!

 

Quite agree. Right place for the diesel. We were going to do the train but decided to gamble on a POTD. Glad we took that path.

 

I'm sure you're right, just feel for the minority of steam enthusiasts who might be on the train, having had to endure a similiar trip myself some years ago.

As a matter of interest, what's your view on SD's Stratford trip on Sunday, which is apparently running, but with no steam at all? I wonder if people who had previously booked have been offered refunds?

 

Quite looking forwards to seeing County of Essex - not one I’ve seen before

 

Looking good at Didcot North Junction this morning. Nice to get a bit of exhaust!

 

Well the approach seems inconsistent but that is because different regions of Network Rail have different rules. It appears that LNW Region lines are subject to an absolute ban at the moment while others are running "under caution". As a steam enthusiast it doesn't make much difference to me - unless the steam engine is doing the majority of the work (preferably all of it) it isn't a proper steam trip.

Regarding refunds - I think it's made clear in the Ts & Cs that diesel power may be used in place of steam under certain circumstances so technically I don't think anyone's entitled to a refund. However I think in the case of total diesel substitution Steam Dreams usually offer at least a discount against a future trip which seems fair enough.

 

Wanborough

 

A nice few whistles at Radley and Hanborough this morning; just a shame the regulator couldn't've been cracked open a tad enough for the soundtrack. Can't fault the sun nor the fact the diesel was shut off at both, though! Video to follow later.

 

We've been round and round and round and ......................this. Let's not start again!

 

Radley and Hanborough.

 

You cant miss it, its a bit "in your face" very much TOWIE