The Duchess to Carlisle: VT - 12/03/22

Due to operational constraints the diesel will run round at Hellifield and join us for the run. Again at Crewe it will run round and pilot us back to Tyseley.

With load 9+diesel there is absolutely no reason for the diesel to do anything more than take us to Hellifield in the morning, shunt at Carlisle and take us back from Crewe.

There was every intention to run this without a diesel.

 

TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, I DEMAND MY MONEY BACK AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

There are 4 charters in and around Carlisle tomorrow, so I imagine it was just too busy to support the planned movements. There's the VT S&C trip, the CCE, the URT S&C trip, and a Statesman trip that stops there en-route to Ft William.

 

Two things: When did VT know about this and why weren't passengers either offered a refund for patently not providing what you advertised; or why wasn't the train postponed Will?

I bet you many of the passengers like us only booked for 6233 sans Diesel. We've done the 'absolutely no reason for the diesel to do anything' before with you and got shoved because no-one can control what the diesel driver does. Our friends have booked a Premier Inn for 2 nights and had their dogs put in kennels just to do the Duchess over the S&C on a proper train. And please don't insult us with it is a proper steam hauled train - it might be if we're lucky.

 

The only crumb of comfort I can see is nine coaches would of been far too light for Duchess anyway and at least you get the run back to Crewe. The proof will be in the pudding come Saturday. Still disappointing but no real shock.

 

True but it would have been fun on the return to see if 6233+9 could have got close to No.9+8 on the 16th November 1991's Streamline Express, a sort of positioning train with a reduced load in the leaf fall season. On that day we flew past Ais Gill Summit at just under 60 mph - we had to opt for 59, in 19m 45s or thereabouts.

 

Blimey - some people really know how to enjoy a thouougherly bad time. Just as well that most of your fellow passengers will have a good day out regardless and are happy for the train to run as scheduled. Why should their day be spoiled because you are not happy?

@1020 Shireman, I think you need to find a different hobby mate - this one only seems to cause you anxiety and grief.

Peter

 

Not anxiety and grief just a disappointment in Vintage Trains again. This was the train that Michael Whitehouse, the Chairman, told us on the 20th November 2021, Lickey Day, on Worcester Shrub Hill Station, would definitely - do you know the meaning of the word? - run without a diesel, provided of course the Duchess was fit to run. Hence the advertising and the good faith shown by us booking the train. And you have no idea how many fellow passengers will have a good day out and are happy for the train to run as scheduled.

Enjoyed this hobby for more than 36 years to date and in all 928 tours sadly Vintage Trains have let us down more than any other organisation. And please do not call me mate. Don't know you at all.

 

To say this is disappointing is an understatement. Already arrived in Brum, so 2x nights B&B, return fare to Brum as well as the cost of the tour itself looking like a waste of money.

Any hope that the 47 driver will leave absolutely well alone, unless Duchess really can't handle the train on its own? I see Clun Castle needed help last week. Not much, but it makes all the diffefence, to some of us at least.

Yes, maybe I too need a new hobby. I actually quite like diesels, enjoyed timing the 68 up to Moor Street this afternoon. But not on the back of a steam train. I"d rather spend my money and go and watch Bristol City. In fact, I'd even rather watch Bristol Rovers...

 

My first ever steam experience on the S&C last summer with Tornado on the Viking Venturer last summer which was if my memory serves me right intended to run unassisted but ended up having the diesel on the back. Tornado’s performance was fantastic and the diesel had little impact. I’ve got no problems with diesels on the rear provided they don’t interfere too much. My message to all the “purists” is be grateful we have steam over 50 years after the end of active steam. If you want unassisted steam an SRPS Forth Circle isn’t a bad idea in my opinion.

 

I just wish the tour operators would be more open and transparent re their operating plans. I did suggest this to RTC in the past, but they just weren't interested, and I gave up booking with them as a result.

I am happy to accept that Vintage Trains intended this to be an unassisted train (from Hellifield), and they have been far more transparent than most in outlining their operating plans.

I have booked steam tours through RTC, VT and Pathfinder knowing there would be a diesel involved, including VT to Minehead, when a 47 was deemed necessary to give a shove up Old Hill bank, for a load that 5043 had been the master of on numerous previous occasions.

And yes some of the best feats of steam loco enginemanship have involved diesels in the mix, but not assisting. Tornado to Yarmouth and out of Tenby. Even a certain other Duchess over Shap spring to mind.

OK, time to calm down and have another pint, and let's see what actually happens tomorrow.

 

Clun had a small amount of assistance to leave Tyseley yard, yards are renowned for slippery rails and the location itself has a gradient of about 1 in 38. New Street was a small shove to get the loco moving from the station. After that nothing was provided, fact.

 

Some like their own version of facts I'm afraid Jamie as it suits their agenda. Those of us who were there know the reality and what a great day it was.
Think I will take a break from this forum for a bit, doing nothing for my blood pressure and I may type something I later regret - best of luck tomorrow.

 

I think what should be accepted is that "everyone" is entitled to their "own" personal opinion; and is entitled to express it (illlegal/criminal statements withstanding).
Funnily enough in this crazy world - a personal opinion is actually still allowed and also it is worth remembering that "You" are allowed to disagree and have your own...

What "should" happen however is that we maintain "a mutual respect" for that person even if you "disagree" with what they say.

 

Have I ever told you the definition of insanity? It’s repeating yourself over and over again and expecting a different result.
Have I ever told you...

Get a grip people and get on the bloody train. To quote one of my favourite comedians, we’re all going to die soon and there is no sequel. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

Would it not be possible just for once to stop moaning and groaning about diesels on the back and just be grateful in this day and age to still have steam on the mainline.