RTC Sussex Belle - 24/11/22

Times for the Christmas Sussex Belle trip to Eastbourne have appeared on RTT now (Thurs 24th Nov), if of interest to anyone either travelling onboard or those hoping to see the train pass etc.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66339/2022-11-24/detailed (ECS)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66340/2022-11-24/detailed (Outward leg)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66342/2022-11-24/detailed (Eastbourne - Hastings)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66343/2022-11-24/detailed (Return leg)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66344/2022-11-24/detailed (ECS)

Ben

 

Will Tangmere be repaired in time to come down south by this date, or is it likely to be a black 5, i was hoping that if Tangmere was going to be at Southall, to take Clan lines workings, she might get rostered on this.

 

Often been a 'Black Five' in the past. No certainty that 'Tangmere' will be ready for any trips in the near future, of course, but here's hoping. I'm expecting to see at least the 'Medway Pullman' diesel-hauled, but fingers crossed.

 

44871 is heading down south on the 21st I believe

 

Yep - this was it last year.

 

Good - as I said, fingers crossed.

 

There is a path is RTT from the KWVR to Southall...

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...22-11-21/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

I believe 44871 was being re-tyred, but, I guess, if that's not finished, it could be 45212.

 

As seats still available would be in R.T.C 's best interests for Tangmere to be available i would be tempted!

 

It's often the only main line steam run we get in this part of the world. Therefore, if 44871 ends up doing the honours once again, I for one won't complain but either 45212 or Tangmere would be an interesting change.

I'm rather surprised about the timings. Obviously, there has to be a reason for the change from last year's run, which arrived in Eastbourne about half an hour earlier and left Hastings at 15.05. However, the effect of this later path is that the return leg will be more or less entirely in the dark. This is a great shame for passengers as the Tonbridge-Hastings line is one of the most picturesque in the South East of England

 

Yes, that seemed odd to me too.

 

Yes I might well have booked if the times were as last year but I don’t want to go through my old home territory in the dark. Another one bites the dust

 

Never mind Don, I'm sure we'll enjoy ourselves none the less & 48 will put on a good show. Well that's the plan anyway!

 

44871 came down South today as seen on Railcam. I’m booked on the trip & am very much looking forward to it.

Hopefully the weather holds out for those hoping to see the loco when it passes

Ben

 

Outbound only, as the return is almost all in darkness. Hope the passengers bring something to read!

 

Just out of passing interest, is '48' a known 'nick-number' for 44871? I've not seen it used before.

 

Through Salfords 18 minutes early! And on the down fast.

 

Yes - nearly caught me out at Tinsley Green running so early where it was just coasting on the fast line (booked on the slow) against yellows! Waste of time for me but I hope the passengers enjoy it - the weather is grim and the return is in darkness...