The Royal Duchy 2023

Royal Duchy on 30/07:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66244/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66243/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66247/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66248/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66249/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66250/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66251/2023-07-30/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66254/2023-07-30/detailed

 

Good to see steam to Par on the outward. Only downside is there's not a lot of time for eating in Cornwall. Might resort to a taxi to Charlestown.

 

Until I retired, The Royal Inn at Par was one of my clients. (It’s the Free House on the hill clearly visible from the platform at Par station and about a minutes walk away).
The food there was excellent, none of this freezer-to-microwave rubbish.

 

We went there quite a few times in the old days when we got to Par just after 1300. Great beer and good food but food was only available until 1400. Just checked on their website that says that's still the same. Food only from noon-2pm . We don't get in until 1442. Last time we didn't even have time to have a pint there before we left as the buses were a bit late.

 

Ticket letter just arrived.

45699 rostered for Sunday.

 

Yeah, just got ours. Carriage counting: 2x Premier; 2x First; Buffet/Std; 2x Std. That's 7. Add the Kitchen Car and POB, 9 with a single chimney Jubilee?

 

Hi Shireman

Yes that was my immediate thought. Over the last couple of years I think 45690 has taken 8 and 45596 has taken 9?
I recall reading somewhere recently (probably natpres) that in light of various issues the crews tended now to rate them equally.
But we shall see.

 

Have it on good authority it will be 45699 unassisted.

 

The RTC website shows a pickup at Didcot but the description seems to be another of their copy-and-paste jobs as it describes the Wilts and Berks route (but then to Bristol).

 

RTT Timings in post 1 show a Didcot pick-up.

 

Steam hauled from Bristol am I right?

 

Yes. From and back to Bristol Temple Meads.

 

Just realised from the timings I have unintentionally booked on my first 2 day rail tour since 2014! Oh well, should be a good day!

 

Had a feeling that was the case as per each year. Thank you

 

For the information of @1020 Shireman and anybody else on this charter who has similar plans, be warned this is Charlestown Regatta Week and, if the weather is good, the place will be rammed. Certainly not a good place to try to get some lunch!

 

Thanks for that. Doesn't look like the weather will be good. Forecast says Thundery Showers and a fresh breeze. Might go there on the 20th August if we have more time in Cornwall.

 

Good to see Galatea blasting through Flax Bourton this morning with nine very smart mk.1s and NO DIESEL !! The loco sounded wonderful. <BJ>

Unfortunately the train tonight is scheduled to follow the 2M73 stopping service from Exeter to Bristol even though the unit diverts off to stop at Weston-super-Mare.
2M73 dep Exeter 20:30. 45699 dep 20:32
2M73 dep Taunton 21:06. 45699 dep 21:10
2M73 dep Worle 21:42. 45699 dep 21:44
2M73 arr BTM 22:10. 45699 arr 22:12

 

Looking forward to seeing it cross the Royal Albert Bridge on RailCam in about half an hours time.

 

Galatea at Creech St. Michael with the Royal Duchy

 

3 early through Totnes and going a storm!