RTC 2022

Two RTC York- Edinburgh Christmas Market trips advertised, was it just the one before ?

 

Yes. Never been done on a weekday either which could be different for pathing.

 

What is most unusual is the advertised route for the November "Kentish Belle". Instead of taking the more usual route from Victoria via Bromley South and Swanley, Bahamas is due to reach the Medway Towns via Dartford and Gravesend - very unusual for steam. I wonder if there is a gauging issue somewhere? Given that the climb for Strood to Rochester Bridge Junction is (I believe) 1 in 47 and on a tight curve, somehow, I don't think 45596 is going to be unassisted on that day.

 

That is indeed unusual if it comes to pass, diesel assistance or not. I have my eye on it in any case because of the unusual way round the Kent coast, but I require all the route permutations (Erith, Eltham or Bexley) between Nunhead and Rochester Bridge Junctions. I believe that bit of the network has been a steam desert for around a decade, if not longer.

 

Surely bound to be diesel assisted as it's in the 'leaf fall' season isn't it? Can't see anything in November being 'proper steam'. The Christmas (?) Cheshireman still has the Cwmbran and Abergavenny pickups so diesel a certainty. That used to be a highlight of the year. Now not worth getting out of bed for. We're rapidly getting into the 'ride behind steam' not steam haulage era and that's not for us. It's going to be very difficult for us to justify continued support for mainline locomotive groups if that's what running on the mainline becomes.

 

There is a difference between taking a diesel in leaf fall season just in case and diesel assistance. As far as I know in the case of Clan Line assistance has never been called for and never given.

 

Although it's not an RTC Working (and thus I apologise for slight thread drift) North Kent, which is indeed rather a steam desert, is to see two steam-hauled trains in the space of 15 days as Clan Line will be passing that way with an UKRT-sponsored British Pullman working. Pretty rare mileage for steam, but shame about the price tag!

 

I wonder if these tours are now possible due to a reduction in service trains?

 

Tempted due to rare track and having not been on the British Pullman ( On my list to do once).
£399.00 compared to £269.00 for dining.

 

Cheshireman 16/7/22 times are on RTT:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64087/2022-07-16/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64092/2022-07-16/detailed

 

Went over to Crewe today to see 6233 Duchess of Sutherland with the Cheshireman
https://tinyurl.com/ycynz6k2

Neil

 

Any idea why 6233 has been standing at Lichfield for 15mins under a green signal?

 

Lineside fires reported to the north. Currently being propelled by the diesel as far as Rugby, where a further decision will be made.

 

Now 69 late leaving Nuneaton

 

A few shots of 6233 today - passing Stafford, leaving Crewe and shunting at Chester. Didn't she look good on her 12-coach train!

 

Understand 47 has run round at Nuneaton on front of Duchess to Rugby where Duchess removed and 47 reattached. Rumours on train of terminating at Watford Junction. If true logical as allows ECS to get to Southall.

 

North Wales Coast Express just left Crewe with a 37, no steam attached.

 

Heritage Centre Cam 3 shows BIL parked up there. No trip to the seaside today !

 

A steam ban has been imposed due to the fire last night on the LNW region. Sensible really given the weather and dry conditions around.

 

Unexpected exhaust among the willow herb at Bunbury, and the diesel plume at the back tells all at Waverton.
The station still looks impressive even though now surrounded by the detritus of the Stagecoach bus depot (two buses and a few lampposts have been removed).