Tornado : 'The Ribblehead Rambler: 29/06/24

All depends on the TOC/The Standard, etc. Some TOCs do route learning differently to others.

I suspect for the route described you’d be looking at the best part of 2 months worth of 4 day weeks minimum. But then it could well be different as I say.

 

Yes, thanks, I was pondering what it would take to really know the Leeds layout from Neville Hill to Armley Jct and vv.

 

Despite my earlier scepticism, I am coming to the conclusion that it is feasible for VT to be the TOC for this tour. Not only are they providing the rolling stock, but presumably also the diesel loco that will bring the stock from Tyseley to Leicester, then be on the rear as far as Skipton from where it will shadow the train to Carlisle and return. It seems that the issues with route and loco unfamiliarity are not insurmountable.

It has the makings of a really good day out at a very reasonable price.

 

Well it’s certainly a complex area, but that being said it is quite well laid out, theatre box letters refer to those on the gantry so it’s not too bad. But again I should imagine it won’t be anything less than a weeks work

 

Oops, my mistake - thanks for clarification. There was this one https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/20s/220713vt.htm but that was diesel which must have far simpler crewing requirements.

 

Guards route knowledge is fine for the S&C, I've worked all of the S&C Vintage Tours as guard since 2022. The only part of the route I'd need to take a look at is Hambleton to Micklefield.

That entirely depends upon the person involved, what they've previously signed and how familiar with the route for example. The more familiar you are (eg you signed it before but it's lapsed) the less you'll need. In the day job when I learned Nottingham to Leicester I'd have been quite happy signing it without any learning at all, but had to go through the motions because that's what you have to do.