Scarborough Spa Express 2018

Ta, much obliged

 

BIL pushed all the way from York to Scarborough! Only the whistle reminded those on board that there was steam on the front.

 

I find the "show pony", as it has now been officially termed, utterly baffling. Why put a steam loco on the front when its only apparent function is as a giant brake valve?
Surely also creates a potential hostage to fortune if some random idiot starts a fire near the lineside which th then gets blamed on the "steam train"? Sure, OTMR evidence would probably disprove any issue but a risk best eliminated?

 

Couldn't agree more Danny!

 

The trains have been sold as steam trains. No steam would mean refunding bookings. AN

 

Subject to availability is stated,if there is a steam ban the steam engine isn't available

 

No complaint from me but I inferred @MIKEP to be a passenger comment. No matter, I think Andrew N has supplied the rationale.

 

To give me something to do on Thursdays.......jeez!

 

Drifting into platform five at York, 'British India Line' makes a fine sight in charge of the 'Scarborough Spa Express'. Passengers waiting for other trains were
heard making appreciative comments of such a magnificent machine wishing they were onboard and off to the seaside

 

cue my old school mate.....LINK

 

I wouldn't call yesterday's action that of a "show pony"; the view from the train taken by one passenger :

 

Queue mass posting of window hanging debate

 

That bloomin DMU always seems to be there!

 

Some camo netting wouldn't go amiss.

 

Yes,like that lol

 

After all the froth we generate over show ponies I though I would have a look a that great whingfest Trip Advisor ( for SD, WCRC, Jacobite, RTC) where people are always quick to complain, but usually slow to praise, strangely Saphos have no reports at all. No negative reports apart from where a steam loco failed on the Jacobite and a rescue diesel was sent from Fort William on a very hot day (lack of drinks etc) and one day when diesel only (no show pony on Jacobite it seemed.)
As an example
"Travelled 1st class on the Dalesman on July 3rd,best day out ever, the train was extremely comfortable and clean,the staff were helpful and imformative. Although this is a long day I would thoroughly recommend this trip. Without doubt the best Steam train journey in the UK,even better than Fort William to Mallaig,which we did in 2014."

 

I was also on the trip yesterday and have a good chat with engine crew. It was interesting to chat about the steps they were taking to mitigate risk and how the role of the tour has changed from being about enthusiasts over to being a part of the leisure market. While the crew and obviously WCRC were doing their best to run the tour as advertised, but also in a safe manner on the railway under the conditions - it showed the ways in which they were using the experience the crews had and the methods WCRC employ to run the tour safely and effectively.

Interesting to also see that Network rail where there on the day, to witness operations and see for themselves operations that can be used perhaps as a template for certain conditions.

Yes the steam engine was on the front but was running with limited power. Few on the train bemoaned the lack of steam from the front, indeed most seemed to think it was running as normal. There were a few occasions when our class 37, 37669 powered us out of an area, a sight and experience that is not easy to dismiss as it was banking a heavy load. While some spoke to crew about power or the use of the diesel, these all readily accepted the reasons behind the move, although I did see one group timing the mileposts to track the work done by 37669 assisted by 35018, even if they didn't realise that was the case.

People still seemed to enjoy the day out. British India Line crew the crowds at both York and Scarbrough too - a fantastic achievement of an engine restored and overhauled but adapted too for mainline running with the increased tender and modern safety kit. WCRC should be commended for a great day out, with train crew and Bob the guard all excellent on the day. People will have enjoyed the run - I certainly did as it was different to see operations done differently, and safely yet make it all seem to usual.