RTC The Cardiff Christmas Express - 22/11/2022

Can't see a thread for this one.... apologies if I've missed it..... found the following on Realtime:-

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64200/2022-11-22/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64203/2022-11-22/detailed

 

Something odd in that second link; it shows the code U64203 but links to the same U64200 as the first one. Try this:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64203/2022-11-22/detailed

Of some interest is that the Maindee reversal is on the way back rather than (as usual?) on the way out.

 

I think that happened last year as well from memory.

 

Something strange has happened with the timings. They seem to have changed at the 11th hour, with a much later departure from Victoria:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...2/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

I wonder why this has happened and so close to the tour running, I hope the passengers were informed otherwise they've now got a very long wait!

 

We’re on the tour today, and had an email from RTC yesterday saying it’s due to industrial action at the Thames Valley Signalling Centre.

The email didn’t give any revised times - it just says get to the station at the previous time and wait - so thanks (once again) to RTT!

 

Godamn, checked it late last night, climbed out of bed way to early. Still at least it appears to be running Edit, and on its way

 

Likewise! Just seen it though Whitton, sounding great with the 47 on the rear idling.

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66391/2022-11-22/detailed

This gives revised timings to Cardiff.

 

Looks like delays are building at Challow with the tour waiting for two late running services

 

According to on board announcements we’ve overshot the water tanker, so need to reverse - been waiting for permission for a while, again apparently due to the Industrial action permission is not being quick in being forthcoming!

 

Sounding good through Whitton this morning:

 

The TVSC strikes were Saturday and Monday so are they just being difficult today then?

 

Doesn't it all depend on shift changes etc as staff don't just walk out at midnight and back in at 0001 on the day the strike ends, instead they don't cover shifts within the strike period which can lead to all manner of knock on effects. Its why the RMT etc have noted that strikes spread over various days cause most disruption whilst minimising loss of income to members.

Looking at the schedule on RTT a 4 minute allowance for watering at Challow cannot be right?

 

No idea! Not sure if just an easy excuse, however good mood on board - at least where we are. We propelled back a good few minutes ago, so hopefully will be on the way again shortly.

 

The stop at Challow was due to be 4 minutes - not enough time to take on water anyway?

 

True but 97 mile to Kemble plus the trip from Southall may have been regarded as a little too far for the first water stop.

 

Not sure on how the timings appear,however a long time from Wantage Road to Challow on RTT so not sure if some allowance within there too…?

Anyway, now underway.

 

I suspect the 11th hour change to the timings has left everyone working a little on the hoof.

 

From further announcements looks like we were due to stop for water (at signal 997, where it isn’t possible to access by road - hence the need to push back) and then stop at Challow for pathing - which is where we are now. Again just relaying what is being announced on the train.

Requests to NR to avoid Gloucester and head straight for Cardiff have been declined apparently, and we need to stop at Kemble for water so apparently sticking with current itinerary.

Hopefully not too cold for anyone waiting on the line side

 

Thanks for keeping us updated....... and allowing me to stay in the warm until the tour approaches me in Chepstow!