RTC 2021

Yes I agree Al. It would also be a very long day without hot food if you did say a CME from Euston, although I realise obviously those in Standard and First do that, but with the short stay in Carlisle is is both a rush and a gamble to get food.

 

Fraser was in charge of 60009's support crew for many years and was seen helping main line firemen on several (many?) occasions when UoSA was on rail tour duties. No stranger to 'the flashing blade'!

 

The Jacobite doesn’t have more than the basic minimum. For a daily two train service the minimum requirement is three locos. A steam loco does have to be stopped for a boiler washout every so often, the frequency will depend on the quality of the water supply.

 

Swanage Belle has now gone from the website. I assume the same issue as with the DCE today that there are just not enough locos to cover all the tours.

 

It was showing fully booked at the weekend, but that was probably while they notified passengers booked on it.
Agreed. Though it is probably support crew in particular, specifically for mid week trips. They were able to get locos for 4nr weekend trips which initially stated were to be hauled by a Black 5.

 

Part Two of the video I shot at Bishops Lydeard on the 14th August is now on YouTube; this shows BAHAMAS coming off the train and the two Manors replacing it. The Manors then set off for the run over the WSR. A Great Western style Mogul is then seen arriving.



Hope it's of interest.

TTFN,

Ron.

 

In the last few days I have regrettably had to cancel my only booking to travel behind steam in 2021. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic together with my medication regime has placed travelling (and lots of other activities) out of bounds.

I would like to place on record my thanks to the Railway Touring Company who have been understanding and accommodating in allowing me to cancel bookings during the last 18 months. My thanks to them for continuing to operate mainline steam and for letting me watch from the trackside – try stopping me! I wish them well in these difficult times.

I will be back!

 

I sincerely hope so David.
Best regards

 

Thanks Andy, much appreciated.

 

Second that Andy.
We have had two trips, table for 2 posh to Scarborough and table for 4 all in our bubble on the waverley. Masks when not seated or not eating, sanitiser and windows open to maximise safety for all. Had a fantastic time. Both west coast and railway touring were on the ball.
Let's hope next year sees an improvement, then we can all travel safely and with confidence.
Regards, John.

 

Sorry to hear. Your reports are always fascinating and I hope to see them again in 2022. The standard of my reports are amateur compared to yours!

 

Thanks for the kind words and do not undersell yourself.

 

Sam, I thought that one of yours that I read was quite good.

 

Chin up young Whistle your reports and humour I’m sure will be eagerly anticipated in 2022

 

Thanks Shep, you keep posting your wonderful photos (and crew details) and I’ll keep my chin up.

 

Subject to weather considerations lineside reports will continue - you don’t get out of it that easily!

 

Glad to here it.