RTC 2021

Just passed Chesterfield camera with Duchess on front and Class 47 on rear. 30 minutes down.

 

Duchess came on as booked at Barrow Hill but the 21 minutes allowed to run the diesel round to the rear and attach the steam and coach to the front was nowhere near long enough (took 37 minutes)

 

Thanks, photo passing through Ilkeston this evening, I kept warm in the pub round the corner seeing you were late leaving BH
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bantam61668/51708637611/in/dateposted-public/

 

Seemed to be fitting in with everything else which was late running ....a lot of very delayed departures from St Pancras !!!

 

Photo attached of 6233 arriving for water last night at Kettering ,no need for a long walk here ,I live just up the road.

 

A bit late but heres my video of 44871 on the Christmas Sussex Belle. I was in London to see a friend and the timings fell just right to see the train at Balham on the outward and Peckham Rye on the return.

 

Just seen the timings for the Duchess trip to Worcester on Thursday..

Duchess going via the Lickey incline both on outward and return..

I wonder what the load will be?? Should be another interesting spectacle

Timings here:

outward: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63606/2021-12-02/detailed

return: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U63610/2021-12-02/detailed

 

It wil of course have a "helper" at the rear.

 

RTC have just emailed me with the new regime re. masks etc. :




We're getting in touch to let you know what the current guidance regarding Covid 19 means for your booking on our Bath & Bristol Christmas Express on Tuesday 7th December.

Following the Government's announcement over the weekend of the reinstating of face coverings/masks on public transport, as from tomorrow, you MUST wear a mask/face covering* whilst on board. You may remove your mask whilst eating and drinking on board.
With the current concerns regarding the rise in Covid cases recently we would like to request that you keep movement around the train to a minimum, please.
Ventilation is one key element for reducing the spread of the virus and with this in mind please feel free to open the windows near to you, where possible. Due to the possibility of the windows being open you may wish to be prepared with an extra layer in case the on board temperature is not to your preference.
Regular hand sanitising and washing is advised throughout the journey.
We ask that you are respectful of those around you at all times and advise that if your booking is for three or less passengers you will be seated with or next to other passengers.
It is imperative that you DO NOT travel if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 or are feeling unwell.
Attached is a guidance detailing the above which we ask you to familiarise yourself with before travelling and if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss.
We are doing all we can to keep those on board safe whilst not detracting from the enjoyment of the day and thank you for your cooperation.
Your boarding pass will be despatched to you by email or post later this week once the final timings are received from Network Rail.




I presume this will apply to all future tours until govt. advice changes. No surprises really, but I don't remember previous encouragement to open windows (not droplights presumably!). That could cause some "interesting" conversations in sub zero temperatures. I don't envy the stewards trying to sort out these things.

I wonder if other railtour operators will follow suit completely. I seem to recall LSL taking a slightly different line on masks previously.

 

It’s now mandatory to wear masks on all public transport so the other operators will have no choice

 

Although that was the case in the summer of 2020 and Saphos claimed masks should be worn on stations (where it was arguably not needed if not under a canopy, i.e. outdoors) but not needed on a train (i.e. hospitality).
I have my views on all of this but I think RTC have the right approach although I applaud the LSL group for sticking all year with the 60% occupancy approach.

 

LSL approach for me and I expect them to re-instate their 'sane' previous policy. For me Its a private train providing near full hospitality. If VT follow RTC I will be ringing up and arguing for a credit note.

 

So does Covid stop because it is a private train?

 

If they accept payment from the public to travel on it, it's not a private train.

 

Well, according to the Goverment it does indeed stop transmitting in, Pubs, clubs, cafés, restaurants, stadium's etc !

 

Since when has the government's Covid advice been applauded? <BJ>

 

I always do a test if I am attending any event, it’s a sensible precaution to minimise passing it on, being triple jabbed I could still get it but more likely to only have minimal symptoms.