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Atlantic Coast Express - 20/05/23

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by TheModster, May 18, 2023.

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  1. TheModster

    TheModster Member

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    Timings now on RTT: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...0/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR
     
    TheModster, May 18, 2023
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  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    This should be a good day out for Bahamas. And it's so unusual to have steam out of Waterloo, never mind a Jubilee. Pleased that the RTC was able to persuade West Coast to allow this to run without a minder.
     
    Big Al, May 18, 2023
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  3. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    free2grice, May 19, 2023
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  4. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Just so. I think we all understand why a TOC sees it as operationally convenient (and at times essential) that a train runs with a diesel in tow. Contrary to what a few might think, I for one, know it's 2023 and not 1963. But I think that this trip has been helped quite a lot by early signals from those in the know that it would be run with just Bahamas. That persuaded me (and I believe some others) to book thereby adding to the plus side of the balance sheet.

    Why on earth that information isn't made known when the bid is made to Network Rail defeats me. It would remove what seems to be a 'secret garden' of planning that actually need not be secret at all. Where else do you spend a £100+ on something without knowing what you are buying?

    Anyway, I hope that WCRC and the BLS have a straightforward day. It's not lost on me that this is a long day for everyone and Bahamas has quite a mileage to cover.
     
    Big Al, May 19, 2023
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  5. banana patch

    banana patch Member

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    I booked thinking it would be a repeat of last year's A C.E and was concerned when I found out Clan Line was not available but with Bahamas and no diesel all is well ! Although a long day for Bahamas its proved itself to be reliable (as well an almost 90 year machine can be!)looking forward to my first 2023 mainline trip
     
    banana patch, May 19, 2023
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  6. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    I imagine a Jubilee on 10 in fine weather should be a fairly straightforward job.
     
    Deepgreen, May 19, 2023
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  7. Western Venturer

    Western Venturer Well-Known Member

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    Western Venturer, May 19, 2023
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  8. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    So does everyone who bought a ticket on that understanding! :)
     
    Big Al, May 19, 2023
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  9. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    Did the original advertising state explicity that the train would be steam-only? I didn't see it so I don't know what was said then.
     
    Deepgreen, May 19, 2023
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  10. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    No but it became common knowledge that the RTC was proactive in ensuring that West Coast would allow it to run solo. The usual caveats apply, of course, and tomorrow is not a fire risk day.
     
    Big Al, May 19, 2023
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  11. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    Should be a lovely day out in fine weather but, as you say, no fire risk to cause concern. Last year by this time the drought was months old, having started in late January (not that anyone noticed in winter).
     
    Deepgreen, May 19, 2023
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  12. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    The south west has had heavy showers today and May rainfall has been average after very wet March and April. But a drought order still applies. Hopefully NR will see no need for a DL
     
    gricerdon, May 19, 2023
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  13. banana patch

    banana patch Member

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    Next Saturday Bahamas is going to Plymouth so I guess if no diesel and no problems tomorrow then maybe another diesel free day next Saturday (presumably with less than 10 on of course!)
     
    banana patch, May 19, 2023
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  14. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    To the best of my knowledge, RTC have never stated in their publicity that any of their trains would or would not be steam only. The one time (a few years ago) I phoned them and asked them, I was given incorrect info! As @Big Al has already posted, why on earth can't what is planned be put in the public domain (obviously with an appropriate proviso that things could be subject to change on the day). It seems a very small thing, and would bring in some extra bookings from people like me, and we're often told that the "last coach" can make the difference to a tours profitability (or not). So how about it RTC?
     
    alastair, May 19, 2023
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  15. Western Venturer

    Western Venturer Well-Known Member

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    I can confirm Sherborne had heavy rain and thunderstorms today for about 3/4 hour but is dry now with no rain in propect over night
     
    Western Venturer, May 19, 2023
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  16. Western Venturer

    Western Venturer Well-Known Member

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    0Z20 still in platform after train departed
     
    Western Venturer, May 20, 2023
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  17. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    free2grice, May 20, 2023
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  18. TH Railway Videos

    TH Railway Videos Member

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    45596 going well through Wimbledon this morning, load 10 unassisted with Pete Roberts on the regulator
     
    TH Railway Videos, May 20, 2023
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  19. mrKnowwun

    mrKnowwun Part of the furniture

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    mrKnowwun, May 20, 2023
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  20. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Currently at Exeter after a blistering run down. Just outside even time from BAS to SAL and 29 minimum up Honiton. Bahamas is some loco and the WC crews did us proud.
     
    Big Al, May 20, 2023
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