RTC 2022

Was 6233 in trouble? If not, why was the 47 working so much while running 18 minutes early, I wonder?

 

Thank you . She seemed to be working well (you could see and hear her right hand cylinder drain cocks (or some other gland / packing) blowing (quite normal for a Stanier!). I have no idea as to why 47813 on the rear was powering the train too.
With the problems that seemed to have afflicted the A4 the previous day, D1935 was usefully providing strong assistance northbound away from Huntingdon.

 

6233 Duchess of Sutherland departing Peterborough for Lincoln

 

Ah, Stanier Disease!!

At that time of night the 47 was probably busy both heating the train *and* still coping with the demands of the kitchen car.

 

Viewing the northbound working whilst it was being watered earlier in the day, the Kitchen car had its' own generator running...

 

Now that's interesting, I didn't know they had genny sets... mind you, if they're running steam heat they'd need to, wouldn't they...

 

I was dining in coach B up the front end in both directions and my impression was there was quite a bit of shovage at various times during the day, could not see a lot as the windows were badly steamed up all day. Advertised as "steam hauled throughout" seemed to be stretching it a bit.

Service, comfort and food on the train was excellent as usual, but did not enjoy Lincoln one little bit. A mass of humanity where you could hardly move in an almighty crush of bodies and constantly shouted at and herded like cattle by stewards with megaphones all over the place. I'll never go to a Christmas market there again. "Steep Hill" certainly lives up to its name!

We got to over 30 minutes early twice on the way back with some good spirited running, storming along at 70mph but plodded at a very leisurely pace for the latter half on the way back to arrive at KX at the predicted time, guess that was the platform slot availability.

Brilliant to see the Duchess, a first for me, certainly some wow factor!

 

The York Yuletide Express
now Monday 19th December 2022

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...0/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Times are up for the Bristol trip on Saturday. I'm not overly familiar with the workings of RTT, but is there a reason for 2 different listings for the ECS coming into Victoria?

I'm booked on this one with my Mum,who wants to visit Bath, hoping it's 3rd time lucky for finally having 6233 on a tour for the first time (the previous 2 it was replaced on one and out of service for the other).

 

I believe it’s usually to do with if loco/stock needs turning on the way in to Victoria.

 

Timings for Saturday's Edinburgh Flyer, with 46115 doing the honours.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...0/0500-2200?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

Correct - more specifically to make sure that the steam loco is facing the right way (i.e. outbound) when it arrives.

 

Did 60009 to Lincoln for my 60th in Premier dining with the wife. Our opinion of the Christmas Market was the same as yours. An awful experience. The journey there and back was excellent though.

 

Christmas markets are overrated, there’s been a lot of complaints about the ones in Manchester and Birmingham with most of the stalls selling the same overpriced goods. The best one I’ve ever been to was in the Old Town Square in Prague.

 

The wife wants to do the Munich one next year. Doubt Steam Dreams will be running a trip there though.

 

A crisp morning for the Sherborne Carols run today. 44871 was assisted away from Woking somewhat but still put on a fine display. Seen from Woking Golf Club footbridge, with video to follow. Contrary to my and others' expectation, it didn't lose any time at the 9 minute water stop at Winchfield - perhaps far from a full tender was taken, therefore? 8K video extract.

 

Cheaper to fly and there are some good cheap Hotels near the Station