Tornado Railtours - 2019

Yes, I think we all realised this pretty quickly. Every forum has them, glad everyone is avoiding feeding this one.

 

Not here to make friends or influence people, Hardly an agenda when its whats dominating the news atm is it ? Kettle bans because of the heat,

I can't help it if thats whats in the news atm, but I'm sorry for any offence I've caused, Gonna go put myself on the naughty step.
that okay ?

 

Just to follow up on the question mark about whether the Golden Expresses will be diesel-hauled, Pathfinder have replied to me on their Facebook page confirming that as the trip is to celebrate steam it will not be diesel-hauled (well, the steam section of the trip anyway).

So there we go.

 

Would you say any kind of double header would be out then? Not that I wouldn't be very satisfied with UoSA (probably more so than Tornado!)

The pessemist in me still can't help but think it's hardly worth discussing what steam locos will be available as I still can't see the weather being amenable to steam.

 

There's a bit of rain forecast for Carnforth this week (Tuesday, Friday, Monday), so fingers crossed that'll help matters although I share your pessimism.

 

Not sure if I imagined this (and I'm prepared to be corrected) but I think I saw something once that said DB don't operate double-headed steam locos, can't remember the reason why. But it looks increasingly like No.9 would be the most likely option for these two runs, and possibly for the 'Bard of Avon', especially now that 35028 has taken over the reins of the 19th August Torbay.

 

I think DB prefer not to do double-headed steam just due to the extra strain it puts on resources having to find double the number of men to crew it. Having said that I'm sure I recall they did do a double header with 60163 and 71000 over the Devon banks a few years ago.

 

Could it be that the 16P spectacular to which you refer was in fact Pathfinder's Tamar Devonian (25.09.2010)? 6024 Bristol-Plymouth-Bristol, joined by 60163 from Taunton out to Plymouth and back to Bristol. I don't ever recall seeing a log of this run, but, with Load 14 over the Devon Banks, it must have been something quite special to behold and/ or experience!! Certainly looks like it judging by YouTube coverage.

One month later, 60163 and 71000 did do a double-headed turn on the East Lancashire Railway, and I wonder if it was that occasion that you were thinking about?

 

There was another Tamar Devonian on 28.7.12 I think, with 60163 and 71000

 

Spot on! Should've checked Six Bells Junction, so lesson learned!!

 

The "Bard of Avon" tour on 18th August 2018 seems to have disappeared from UK Railtours online brochure. My saved link now takes me to the "Bard of Avon" but now dated 23rd March 2019.
Maybe something will arrive in the post or email tomorrow to confirm this postponement as I'm booked on this one.
To be honest as 60009 is otherwise engaged, I'm glad it has been postponed and not sent out with a smaller loco with a lot of diesel assistance or diesel only.

 

Wonder if the Canterbury Tale will follow suit.

 

The Canterbury Tale won't be told. Had email from UKRT notifying cancellation and full refund.

 

Not surprised. I shall be plesantly surprised if Tornado actually returns to revenue earning service before October.

 

The Devonian looks like the next casualty. Hopefully a full refund for that too. Also a few rumours circling that the A1 will need 500 miles under it's belt before hitting the mainline. Time frames look bleak for the 8th

 

500 miles is a realistic running in requirement

 

Unless they ask Clan Line to take on the 8th. Think 500 miles might be a low figure; and then there's where and how many main line tests will be needed. Doubt it will just be be one. Too high a profile. Still need lots of rain. Anyone heard where the running in might be? Is the NVR suitable? Don't know that line at all.

 

The GCR would be ideal and would at least possibly speed up her running in period. Clan line would be great, though I couldn't imagine her heading to Brum, off at Bristol most likely.