Torbay Express 2019

Not even a pull on the chime whistle through Dawlish. No.9 in very light steam.

 

Seems completely pointless to include the steam loco at all under these circumstances. Having said that, I suppose TBEL will not now have to offer the small credit they would have had to under their T&C's when there is no steam at all, and the loco owners will also get their hire fee? I can't think of any other advantages for anybody, least of all the passengers.

 

P&DR have followed suit and 60009 is working very little up Churston. The weather is good, and that's about the only positive.

 

Plus, of course, 73A Al. Steam loco and stock have been bedfellows at Stewarts Lane for over two decades, and the usual starting point (Victoria) only 2 miles away.
When I was doing charter train timing etc for Railtrack/NR our maxim was that robust planning meant ensuring that the train operated without anyone noticing! Hence on this site, apart from a few videos, the British Pullman operations hardly attract any comment at all.

 

Many people at Keynsham to see the train but once again no whistle. Most unusual. The DB crews are so enthusiastic.

Lots of clag this morning .....but none from the A4. <BJ>

 

To be fair the crew and everyone else involved with running the train will have been up since the wee hours and all they have to look forward too is being dragged around by a Class 47 and a sea of disappointed faces. I can imagine that saps the enthusiasm somewhat!

 

Still very warm and dry in South Devon where the Dartmouth line runs. However, light rain showers are mentioned for tomorrow and Tuesday. But, with more sun and a good drying breeze that will negate any rain effects I am sure.

 

Interesting, I thought 47.802 took the West Somerset Steam Express home. Very busy loco it seems.

 

They ran 47802 to rescue the stock off the Somerset fire starter tour yesterday,

Sent another to Eastleigh to pick up the stock when that failed, they found another loco and driver to rescue that, then when that expired 47802 was call upon again.

I'd call that all the stops to make sure the Torbay actually ran so show us how you would do it better.

 

Classic vehicles on the Paignton green

 

From the Torbay Express Facebook page:
"Our first Torbay Express of the season has arrived into sunny Kingswear with 60009 Union of South Africa being piloted by 47802 as a result of a steam ban issued by Network Rail yesterday. Thanks to West Coast Railways and No 60009, Union of South Africa for getting us here.
Apologies to all of our customers for the disappointment caused by no. 60009 not being at the front of the train due to operating and locomotive crew requirements."

 

Fair old load for 47802, 13 coaches and an A4.

 

No need for the attitude.

 

Not worth the effort. Worst sham train I've ever seen. Only had to pull out all the stops because one of their diesels failed. Whose fault was that? Network Rail's?

 

No water stop on return. Can it do Paignton to Bristol on a full tank.

 

Currently waiting to transfer back to Network Rail at Paignton. 47802 piloting as before. According to the most recent tannoy announcement, despite being diesel hauled, we will be taking on water at Taunton. Apparently after the train terminates at Bristol, 60009 will be heading back to Southall under her own steam, so will need to be fully replenished.

 

There are times and circumstances when cancellation is the best policy. Operators should insure against serious events like this and also offer insurance policies to customers to cover the consequential losses too.

 

Exactly - is there a steam ban or isn't there?