Saphos Trains 2018

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

 

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.

 

Good for them.

 

4th August trip cancelled:

 

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

 

deleted

 

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

 

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

 

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) :-

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Three new tours with D213 Andania announced.

http://saphostrains.com/cumbrian-mountain-whistler-monday-27-august-2018/

http://saphostrains.com/yorkshire-coast-merrymaker-saturday-6-october-2018/

http://saphostrains.com/north-wales-coast-forty-saturday-13-october-2018/

Assume usual set of coaches so air cons for standard class and Mk 1s for first class, with a 47 on the back door ETS.

 

Brilliant, hoping for some tours with deltic

 

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.

 

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>

 

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

 

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>

 

Path has been reactived

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55253/2018/08/08/advanced