Royal Duchy 2018

With all the recent difficulties in loco supply for this series of Royal Duchy's, is it a bridge too far for RTC and WCR ?

 

I have been, Talking about the diesel on the RD, not sure about all these others talking about boxes are on about.

More interested what diesel WC are gonna use to push the deadweight ontop around,
lets be honest less then a coach worth of people are interested in whats on the top, Want to read Marcus Robinsons comments in steam railway this month to learn that,
The rest are just upset because a diesel behind the tender ruins their photos, which shouldn't matter when its the fare paying passengers who have paid for a day out who should matter, they are getting a trip to par and a photo of a Steam loco, they are happy,

 

I realise I am in the minority when onboard a steam charter, but the majority here will be bothered about a box in the consist, as is proven in this thread. Everyone's welcome to their opinion, of course, but your endless "diesel is great, steam is rubbish" comments on a forum predominately used by those who are interested in steam traction is somewhat out of place. Of course, I know you're commenting to stir a reaction, but maybe you should join a forum more suited to discussing the pros of diesel traction?

You're in the minority on this forum I'm afraid, lad. In terms of this thread, I haven't seen any photographers grumbling, it's mainly been fare-paying passengers asking what's going on until you turned up.

 

Is the diesel on rear or behind. I’ve yet to see a black 5 on the mainline so will get out and photo.

Would like to say thank you to paying customers whom without these trains would be cancelled and I’d not be able to photograph mainline steam in 2018.

 

Where have I said Steam is rubbish , Diesel is great? posting to provoke a reaction, You've got yourself an agenda , All because someone has a different view to yourself,

You can patornise me as much as you like, I'm sticking to the rules,I'm as welcome here as you are, you should refresh yourself with them, before you do more backseat moderating and anyway,
Why should I go somewhere else,
Aren't people allowed to like Both Diesel and steam, or doesn't that fit in the boundaries of your modus operandi,
Or have you just posted that to get a reaction, or just to stir the pot as it be ?

 

Nothing wrong with liking both.You’re welcome here.

 

What the hell is a Hoover? Surely something you use to get the carpets clean? They're on offer in Curry's just now. I hope you refer not to a diesel locomotive substituting for steam. I think I would get more excited over a carpet cleaner

 

Once again RTC and WCR are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. We are experiencing a summer that we have been dreaming of for about 12 years. 99% of people are very glad. Sadly it hits our industry right where it hurts. Most of you know who I am and what I do. Does anybody seriously believe that I want a Diesel in a train I am Driving? I can also assure you that Nigel D & RTC absolutely hate it.
Network Rails No 1 priority is the mainstream ToC's, and they are duty bound to look after that business. If they see an emerging risk they have to deal with it. A couple of years ago there would have been an absolute steam ban in these weather conditions. I can also assure all of you that there are many people in the Charter train section of NR, and in the Route Controls who are still massively supportive of steam operations and without their help and understanding it would be a very bleak summer for the steam industry. Between the Steam Operators and NR routes enough trust has been built up to allow the 'Steam + Diesel' arrangement that we are now experiencing, which at least lets people see the steamer they booked for. The problems of this type of working in terms of finding additional crews, and extra loco and fuel costs. and the additional aggravation in planning and arranging say that the best thing to do is pack up until Autumn. But, people have booked on trains for a day out, for birthdays, anniversaries or just a nice day out, we have a responsibility to give them the best experience possible in the prevailing circumstances, and that is what we will do.
The balancing act we play involves making a decision on an operation late enough that the available meteorological data is reliable enough to be realistic, and early enough that the Tour Operator can make a decision about what they think the best thing to do is, and have sufficient time to advise their customers. One thing we never want to do is cancel a train whilst the passengers are standing on a platform waiting for it!
The decision on Diesels in steam trains is never taken lightly. Sometimes it is operationally necessary, sometimes it is because of needing a robust contingency plan, and sometimes because of the weather. Whatever the reason, it is costly to the operators, and cannot be recouped from ticket income, so it is never done for nefarious reasons. (despite what some of the conspiracy theorists on this forum seem to believe.)
See you Sunday.
A

 

44871 is apparently booked for this, but I am not sure how it is getting south ?

 

Where is 44871 at the moment please?

 

4871 is at CNF. Should come down to SPM tomorrow, with, "Shock Horror", an 'orrible box on't front!

 

An extraordinary effort to provide the illusion of a steam hauled train.

 

That's one way of phrasing it. Or you could say "an extraordinary effort to get as close as possible to what (most of) the passengers want, given the current conditions."

Everyone has made their views known, including the operators themselves (thanks @The Man ). The situation is well known and well understood. If you have tickets for tours in the coming weeks, you'll make your choices and you'll probably find the operators will offer some reasonable alternatives if you choose not to travel. Time to stop carping and move on to more productive topics of discussion, I'd say.

 

Nature abhors a vacuum though. There's no logs to talk about, no discussion of whether Shrewsbury--Carmarthen and back in a day was ever feasible, no Jubilees getting looped at Grayrigg (or not). What are these more productive topics of discussion? Football, Brexit, Mallard's record and diesels. Oh and who owns the station house at Aysgarth.

 

And here's the path:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O22303/2018/07/21/advanced

 

No carping here. It is a matter of fact that a lot of trouble has been gone to in order to have a steam loco in the train.
The motivation and justification for the chosen course of action is a matter for others to judge.

 

We're still at a stage where , the minority booked on the trains for pure steam would rather have the train cancelled , when they are out weighed by the normals and diners at least 5-1.

 

Not true of the Duchy or your math is rubbish. The consist has 4*42 seats Dining and First; 168 seats; 1*64 seats Mk1 TSO; 44 seats in the Buffet Standard Class; 36? seats in the Brake: 144 seats. 5-1??? on what planet.