Scotsman to Salisbury: 24/03/22

Unusually times are already available.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64183/2022-03-24/detailed

Even more unusually it indicates no stops (and the Steam Dreams itinerary confirms) until watering at Winchfield, and is pathed down main from just after BFNH station all the way to just before the watering stop. We dont often get non stop steam through Woking, let alone the Scotsman doing it, and it means of course, it wont be allowed to dawdle along (or"chug " as it says in the SD tour description)

Afternoon circular
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64188/2022-03-24/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64189/2022-03-24/detailed

Return
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64193/2022-03-24/detailed
A dawdle up the slow in the dark, so BAU

 

There is a "prohibit" for gauging for 60103 through West Byfleet Down Slow platform.
( Clan Line has a "FABRIC" gauging speed restriction there as well.)

Cheers, Neil

 

Used to be a prohibit for sure, now I think its a speed restriction, FS's last trip through West Byfleet was pathed P3 with a speed restriction. Either way it still means FS is going to have to do a hurry up on the fast down for a good 20 miles

 

With a little help from its oily friend on the rear no doubt. Don't see any light engine path out of Victoria so assume it's taking a diesel.

 

I can easily see it being put on the slow around Woking if things go even a little awry. I imagine big crowds will be out given the unusually early release of timings, which is odd given the paranoia around the loco by BTP who came to Brockham AHB crossing, between Dorking and Reigate, to prevent trespass when it went to Canterbury via Redhill (yes, the closest it came to Brockham was six miles away!!).

 

Seemingly using p7 at Victoria - usually only used when another special has p2. Or is there a clearance issue? Or RTT may be wrong...

 

My memory thinks it left 7 for Kent last week

 

Perhaps a clearance requirement, then.

 

It's using platform 2 today.

It also has done so many times in the past.

 

Through Wandsworth Town on time. Displaying a couple of Eastern route discs which is a nice touch.

 

On the slow through Woking, plenty of clag from the 47 on the rear.

 

RTT has been amended to show booked slow line to Winchfield (unsurprisingly).

 

As feared, FS was on the slow through Woking and was heavily assisted, despite being on time. I don't know whether it ever gained the fast but I was surprised it had that planned routeing in the first place. Images to follow.

 

It's all getting a bit hectic here at grately, quite a large crowd,

Edit and it's now stuck behind the stopper

 

It trundled through Fleet on the slow line:



TTFN,

Ron.

 

Lets be fair; at one point 15 on would be a bit on the Heavy side for an 'improved A3' for sure, but its more of a case of not allowed to rather than cant...

 

Sigh - a day of promise delivered, not so much
Woking

Grateley


Was going to travel down and film the circular, but going home for a dog walk seemed much more exciting.