The Cotswold Venturer - 22/02/20

Timings out for this:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52070/2020-02-22/detailed

......including a crepuscular climb up Sapperton:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52075/2020-02-22/detailed

 

Is there an LE path back to Southall?

 

This is in RTT, I guess on the day situation will decide if it is used.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52071/2020-02-22/detailed

 

I might do pay on day

 

I'd book it, it's one of the last few remaining chances to ride behind her. N09 on this route usually run's solo. The LE path confirms the operational intentions for the day !

 

RTC have also told me that the day should be DL free not that their info can be relied on as it’s WCR who make the final decision

 

Decided not to go. I don’t want to say farewell to this superb loco on the GWR with such slow schedules. I had so many good runs with it on the 3 hour trains in Scotland so if something decent can’t be arranged there on the ECML I won’t bother

 

I have changed my mind and now booked on this as I may not get another chance to say farewell to this superb loco. Just hope the train runs DL free.

 

And the award for "Word of the day" goes to...............

 

Done most of the CVs and never had a diesel in tow Don.

 

But I have with 46100

 

I'm not travelling but I will be there to watch her arrive. Can't miss her last ever visit to Worcester. Are RTC not running these trips along the Cotswold Line in one direction anymore? Is doing Sapperton both ways how they are all going to be now?

 

No idea but I would regard this routing as an improvement over the Cotswold Line.

 

Wonder how many folks on here had to consult Prof. Google to solve that one!
Must incorporate that in the banter during my crepuscular visit to the pub tomorrow!

 

Got our e-tickets today. In coach H. Let’s hope no DL otherwise an early bath and a day watching footie on TV

 

Hopefully still going ahead.....
Worcester seems to be almost entirely under water.
Not sure if Shrub Hill is affected...

 

It too is indeed elevated. I don't think the problem will be in Worcester itself but the low lying valleys to the south and east through which the train is scheuled to run.
I'd check this site, and navigate the maps back along the route:
https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=Worcester
And follow current operations on RTT, the GWR website and National Rail.
It's not just the water covering the tracks, of course, but weight & pressure build-up on and within cuttings, embankments and bridge abuttments.
I do hope it all goes to plan.

 

Thanks to RalphW and 3ABescot for their reports and info.
Fingers crossed then....

 

Large parts of the riverside are flooded yes, and will be for several weeks I think, but our trains are still running fine. The line is elevated all the way from Shrub Hill to Henwick, so the driver and fireman taking No 9 over to Henwick for the turning move will have one hell of a view! GWR is running to Paddington fine, and there has been very little disruption on the WMR services to/from Hereford and Birmingham.

The river got up to the pavement outside my flat at it's peak on Tuesday (5.3 metres), but has been very slowly going down since then.