Steam Dreams 2023

Indeed, and the outward and return runs are another two steam run shown on RTT as running at 75mph, despite those here who deny anything over 60mph is ever shown for steam runs. Should be a good full day with the local excursion in the middle of it all.

 

Mayflower at the helm today, load 10 plus 47 on the rear

 

Making the rare sight of passing through Cheam this morning:

 

I do not think anyone has said that 75 mph does not appear in RTT, as do random weights for steam tours. Just that 60 or 75 does not refer to the approved speed of the loco.

 

I can't be bothered to dig them out now but, yes, some people have positively asserted on this forum that no steam working in the UK is ever shown on RTT as running at anything above 60mph.

 

Yes. Considerable time lost between Sutton and Epsom, being caught behind a stopper reversing at Epsom I imagine. Large crowds assembled at Horsley and Clandon (with a large contingent of particularly loudly-screaming toddlers!). Video to follow.

 

Yes, it got to Sutton a bit later than planned so the signaller put the stopper infront, it was supposed to go ahead of it.

 

Yes, somebody from Horsley Parish posted details on a local website. Never seen so many people on the Guildford platform at Horsley and yes all the normals screaming and whooping rather spoilt the experience. Still, it is good that steam is of interest to so many people!

 

Indeed - a fine, warm Saturday morning was always going to bring out the crowds, I suppose. I was simultaneously annoyed and amused when a man insisted on asking me question after question about the train, even though he could clearly see I was trying to film at the time! There was a staff presence at Horsley and BT Police at Clandon for the water stop. The lack of footbridges along the line concentrated people at the few road bridges and stations.

 

So screaming and whooping is what makes them "notmals" is it? We crazy "enthusiasts" would of course maintain a respectful silence!

 

The children at Horsley were exceptionally noisy and 'screamy' today - more from playing on the platform than any interest in the train I suspect. It was quite a street party atmosphere, with kids running around and numerous dogs (on leads), the whole melee being, I imagine, a little concerning for the station staff member there!

 

South Coast Afternoon Tour:
Filmed at Botley.

 

Well I, for one, do!

 

My video from yesterday. Unfortunately I had to abandon the tripod for the Horsley shot owing to the number of people and not wanting to place it beyond the yellow line (I stood there but a train had just passed). A hot day so no visible exhaust, but a nice little climb from the 20mph through Effingham Junction in the distance.

 

Thanks - you got a better video than I did (having arrived late at Horsley and so making do with a spot near the footbridge . .. and the children).

 

If anyone is planning to see the "Garden of England" lunchtime tours, the first of which is due to run this coming Thursday behind 34046, the route has been changed. Originally it was advertised as running Victoria-Tonbridge- Medway Valley line- Gravesend- Victoria. Now it is taking the Belmond Pullman circuit trialled by Clan Line before its withdrawal for overhaul: Victoria- Chatham-Faversham-Dover Priory (Stop for water) - Ashford- Tonbridge-Swanley- Victoria and running in similar timings. I did not check the blurb on every single train of this series (which runs up to the end of August), but those that I did look at have all been changed to this route. (By the way, it says that the return route after Tonbridge is via Redhill and East Croydon, but RTT says it is going via Hildenborough and Otford)

The trips seem to be shared between 34046, 61306 and 70000.

 

61306 rather than 61264 I think

 

Whoops - right class, wrong loco! Duly corrected. Thank you for pointing this out.

 

I wonder what the optics of this are in an area that has a hosepipe ban, not because it is too dry, but because the water company is unable to keep up with demand for domestic water use. Yes I appreciate SD is a business and will be exempt from restrictions, but as one of my old bosses mantra said
"It is never about the facts, always about the perception"

 

I think there is a bit of understandable confusion here.
This is the Steam Dreams timings, 1303 from DVP returning via Orpington and Kent House. ( 1Z84)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54562/2023-06-22/detailed
It looks as if the Steam Dreams water stops are Shepherds Well and Paddock Wood.

The later path is 1Z74 1341 DVP - VIC which is the Belmond Pullman confirmed by the DB C profit centre code.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54671/2023-06-22/detailed
This should have been operated by 35028, but due to unscheduled boiler repairs 1Z72 & 1Z74 the train will be diesel worked.
(As ever, any contributions are most welcome - please visit Clan Line .org for the latest news and how to donate towards the repairs.)

Cheers, Neil