Torbay Express 2019

That's the bare minimum I now expect from this tour ! Will grin and bare the rest as we've paid for first class but at least give us No9 over Churston FFS !

 

I see despite the statement on No.9's Faceache Site there's nothing on the TBEL Web, Faceache or Twitter Sites about the diesel. No surprise there. John Cameron's people are very honest in their statement:

Unfortunately due to worries over fire risk, The Torbay Express which Number 9 is due to work tomorrow, will be diesel hauled, with Number 9 coupled behind the diesel locomotive.

 

Shame about that Liam. We're staying at home. No A4 has ever made it over Churston without assistance to my knowledge. We've been behind Bittern and No.9 when they stalled nowhere near the summit. They don't even let them try these days. Too disruptive to services when they stall!!!

 

Some have i can assure you

 

On a full length Charter Train?

 

Yup. They weren't impressive climbs by any means compared to some, but they got there

 

Further West Coast woes:
''I am advised that 33025, the Thunder Crompton has itself suffered issues in the Swindon area...‎ while working 5Z25 1547 Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) to Bristol Kingsland Road‎
Stock and locos currently in Swindon East Loop, arriving there 2226 - 252 late. Not sure what this means for the Torbay Express tomorrow‎''

The stock eventually arrived at Bristol at 01:50 this morning. TBEL must be wondering what the hell they've let themselves in for.

As for a diesel on the front of the charter, I hope that no.9 is fit enough to pull 11 coaches and push a dead diesel around all day. <BJ>

 

I wonder if that needed another rescue loco?

 

Late departure as expected, Torbay staff not happy with operational punctuality so far and the lack of info from WCR ! Diesel just backing on

 

Tannoy announcement stating WCR have made an appeal to NR for a full steam return leg, but I think they were referring to the reported Blanket steam ban which has been imposed by NR. Steam also unlikely over Churston due to the current fire risk over the P&DR, apparently they've had 22 fires this month.

 

I'm on this now. Paid £400 + travel / hotel costs and have ended up travelling behind a WCRC 47

I know it's not the fault of WCRC or TBEL, but I am really disappointed.

There is hardly anyone on the train today. Only one other table in my coach is occupied.

 

On RTT, it’s showing as a ZZ operation from Taunton-Kingswear-Bristol. Any ideas?

 

Quite a few on here seem to think,
They could do better,let's see your efforts then,

WC have pulled out all the stops the past two days to try to please.

 

Probably just not updated yet.

 

Odd statement. Logistically all they had to do was get the stock from Eastleigh and No.9 from Southall. Pulled out all the stops? Seriously?

 

The LS with the 47s to Paignton yesterday tour on RTT was LS to Stourbridge Junction then West Midlands trains service to Paignton think there a system issue somewhat

 

I would imagine so. Diesel 47.245 was the first to fail at Basingstoke. That was rescued by 33.025 but that failed at Swindon.
The loco on the TE this morning was 47.802 so presumably that was the third loco required to move the stock from Eastleigh to Bristol. Some would call that pulling out all the stops.

Network Rail are now joining in on the action. There was a delay on the Frome avoider due to a track circuit failure. The train was diverted via Frome station.

13 coaches today. 47.802 + A4 60009 + 35486, 21269, 3068, 3066, 1651, 3141, 3149, 3121, 3123, 3147, 1691, 4959 and 4998. <BJ>​

 

Anyone got the RTT for the trip down, for what it's worth?

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