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Saphos Trains 2018

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by gwr4090, Dec 19, 2017.

  1. horace

    horace Member

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    The return working passing Brent Knoll. https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/43145858831/in/dateposted-public/
     
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  2. 60017

    60017 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Email from Saphos this morning stating the 'William Shakespeare' of 21st July is postponed until 8th September. Citing 'no significant rainfall' forecast between now and the 21st, rendering steam locomotive operations unlikely. Full refund offered to those who can't make the new date.
     
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  3. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    Good for them.
     
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  4. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    4th August trip cancelled:


    [​IMG]
     
  5. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Regrettable situation bud handled in a high class manner. Presumably the show pony either wasn't an option or deemed a suitable one?
     
  6. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    deleted
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2018
  7. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    From the wording, it sounds like part of the tours route has a total steam ban, so show pony not allowed?
     
  8. J Shuttleworth

    J Shuttleworth Member

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    Correct. LNW(S) is currently maintaining a prohibit on all steam movements, which effectively covers WCML (south of Crewe), Manchester and the Chilterns. There have been too many lineside fires (not, I should add, caused by the passage of a steam loco) for them to consider that any such movements would pose too great threat to integrity of their network - as their right, provided it complies with the established protocol.

    JS
     
    Last edited: Jul 27, 2018
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  9. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    The route to Stratford took in the WCML south of Crewe, not sure whether the intention was to use the main line to Hatton or the North Warwicks south of Birmingham.
    The last steam loco over that part of the WCML was when 34052 was hauled to Bristol on 22nd June since when it's been hot and dry in these parts with very little sight of rain.
    Although showers are forecast tomorrow and heavier rain on Sunday (assuming it arrives) , it will do little to damp down the risk. And on 22nd June (no steam involved) :-


    P1010117 Excuses Wolverhampton 220618.JPG
     
  10. hatherton hall

    hatherton hall Well-Known Member

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    But there is rain in the forecast. Lots of it, starting on Saturday and into Sunday. Sunday looks a washout all over the UK. Bye bye 35 degress and welcom 21 generally. Not to mention the thunderstorms which are effecting large parts of the UK today, even in Surrey where the brollies are up and the puddles appearing for the first time in months, it feels.
     
  11. staffordian

    staffordian Well-Known Member

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    I think the problem is that the rain which is forecast is likely to be very heavy where it falls, but not everywhere will get it.

    And given the temperatures we've had, and the hard baked ground, even where it does fall, it will run off then dry quickly.

    I think we will need a prolonged and widespread period of wet weather before any bans are lifted.
     
  12. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    I hate to dash anyone's optimism but this is the last sentence of the Met Office forecast for the next 6-30 days, it would seem Summer isn't over yet. 25C forecast for the Midlands by the end of next week.

    "Temperatures are expected to remain widely above average for most, with further spells of very warm or hot conditions probable, and a likelihood of very hot conditions at times, especially in the south".

    Fortunately there does sees to be more likelihood of rain but I'd guess at mid September before things start to get back to something like normal.
     
  13. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    If we are talking about steam in the northwest then temperatures are not expected to be much above 20/21 with rain over the weekend and sunshine and showers thereafter. I would like to think that Network Rail recognises that the issue is really the south and south east far more than the north and north west. Yes, it has been dry everywhere but I remain optimistic that the S&C trips will turn to steam.
     
  14. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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  15. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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  16. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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    The absence of first class dining on these trips would suggest that Saphos are looking at running their diesel tours as they set out to with just mk2’s. I remember reading somewhere that it’s the intention, when stock allows, to have a steam set comprising all mk1’s and a diesel set of all mk2’s. I would assume they have enough mk2’s to make for a train, but wouldn’t make the heaviest of loads as of yet.
     
  17. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Test runs for Saphos Class 40 loco D213.
    Weds 08/08, Thurs 09/08 & Fri 10/08.

    Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL) operated. Should be 40013 with load nine with a class 47 on the rear.

    5Z90
    Crewe H.S. 0930
    Gresty Lane Signal GL37 0931-0932
    Crewe Gresty Lane 0935
    Crewe Gresty Green Up Loop 0939-0944
    Crewe Gresty Lane 0948
    Crewe Down Loop 0952-1000
    Crewe 1002-1006
    Crewe Steel Works 1012
    Beeston Castle & T. S. B. 1024
    Chester 1035
    Chester South Jn. 1036
    Saltney Jn 1038
    Rossett Jn 1046
    Wrexham General 1057
    Gobowen 1112
    Shrewsbury 1134-1153
    Wellington 1214
    Telford Central 1222

    5Z91
    Telford Central 1242
    Madeley Jn 1245
    Cosford 1251
    Stafford Road Jn 1300
    Bushbury Jn 1306
    Stafford Trent Valley Jn 1321
    Stafford 1323
    Searchlight Lane Jn 1329
    Madeley 1340
    Crewe Basford Hall Jn 1350
    Crewe Basford Hall S.S.N. 1355
    Crewe S.S.N. Signal Box 1358
    Crewe Gresty Lane 1400
    Crewe Gresty Green Up Loop 1404-1414
    Crewe Gresty Lane 1418
    Crewe H.S. 1423

    Thanks to Ben Wheeler. <BJ>
     
  18. JDTTRAINS

    JDTTRAINS Member

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    Anyone know if D213 is still on test today? RTT paths haven't yet been activated.
     
  19. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    The loco ran a couple of light engine moves to Chester yesterday. There is a picture of it at WNXX.
    http://www.wnxx.com/

    The loaded test run appears to have been cancelled for today.

    <BJ>
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2018
  20. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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