RTC 2021

Another odd thing in the traffic laws is that there is no legal alcohol limit for the driver of a steam traction engine, it's the steersman who can be prosecuted. The same with driving without due care etc.

 

I think this is most relevant here. This has just landed from the A1 Steam Trust:

"I write to you today to advise that this weekend Tornado suffered a number of wheel flats. This was caused by a slide during the current leaf fall season.

Initial examinations after the weekend did not show any issue that would cause a prolonged concern. Our engineering team working carefully checked the entire locomotive for wheel flats on Tuesday evening and identified several on the tender that are beyond the limits allowed by main line standards. Normally this would be resolved by a visit to a wheel lathe for re-profiling.

Sadly, the locomotive is currently running on tyres that would reach scrapping size should they be turned again . This is why the locomotive is scheduled for new driving and tender wheel tyres in the upcoming overhaul. It is very frustrating given the new tyres are already in Devon ready for fitment.

We are extremely disappointed that this incident requires us to remove the locomotive from the main line. Tornado will shortly move to the Great Central Railway. This is in connection with activities associated with the ETCS fitment project. We are also working with the GCR to identify a number of operating days and will update you on these in due course.

Whilst it is disappointing to see this year’s mainline season end early, our focus is on completing the overhaul next year and seeing a return to main line operations. The team continue to finalise the plans for this work which will commence in the New Year as previously announced."

 

Will have a big knock on effect for RTC over the Christmas period. What's likely to haul the Edinburgh tour on the 11th?

 

Duchess is coming down south next Monday for one of RTC's trips, it could cover for Tornado when not with VT. They may have to ask 44871 to haul a few more as well. Have to wait until its officially announced.

 

My feeling is that given the trains that were due to be hauled by two locos (60163 and 46233), on 27/11 and 19/12, were going to be 60163 and diesel as no other locos were available, I think that unless something gets released from Carnforth a 12 month postponement could be on the cards again.

Andrew

 

Tangmere/BIL??

 

Email just received saying 46233 will haul the train on the 27th from Ealing to Barrow Hill and return

Andrew

 

RTC have filled in all of Tornado's duties with mostly Duchess, apart from the Bath one which is now 44871, and the Edinburgh one will be either 35018 or 46115. Bit more diesel haulage as a result however, but very good work done to get it covered so soon:


EDIT: While RTC have deleted this post, the website checks all this out.

 

looks like, according to Railway Herald, 6233 off & on for return at Barrow Hill on 27th November

 

That was also the intention when 60163 was to have worked the train. It is just not possible to turn and service a loco at York in the time available, which is why in recent years these trains have had two locos, one in each direction, swapping over at York. Alas, with a deminishing pool of locos this has not been possible this year. Then add the fact that the Duchess, unlike Tornado, does not have a rocking grate so servicing is even more time consuming. Yesterday's (19/11) job to York was planned for the loco to come off at Doncaster for the same reason.

Peter

 

44871 at Euston. 57316 coming along for the ride as well.

A little aside for the Tornado wheel flats it seems that the carriages also suffered serious flats as well and have also had to be withdrawn hence the move from Carnforth being used on Wednesday.

Andrew

 

Not sure what you expect of rail head treatment Al. It can only alleviate the problem rather than eliminate it. Most areas that are treated are done on a daily basis but atmospheric conditions can vary markedly during that time. You cannot treat a line ahead of every train and even if you could you would still find that in certain circumstances "slippery" conditions would still prevail. I'm afraid it is that time of year.

Peter

 

44871 making good progress this morning, passing Shelton under Harley with "The Cheshireman".................




Cheerz,

Alan

 

As per website and at the head of the information message - "We are sorry to advise that on the 12th November Tornado suffered a number of wheel flats. This was caused by a slide during the current leaf fall season".

see: https://www.a1steam.com/2021/11/18/tornado-an-engineering-update/

That aside, 12th November was Friday, being the move to Bristol if I am correct?

 

44871 passing the site of Calveley station