Clan Line: Victoria to Shrub Hill - 24/08/24

Nice to see booked fast line Reading/Didcot (but not on the return).

 

Well done to Network Rail for finding that path on the Down Main.

Cheers, Neil

 

Challenge is likely to be getting to Reading in time to pick it up.
Timed to be 4 minutes behind 2C17 an all shacks to Reading nearly all the way. Hopefully the 10 minutes for the Reading stop will allow recovery if needed. Still at least they are avoiding the "black hole" that is the Hounslow Loop.

 

But I suspect it's easier than trying to get a reasonable path on the GWML. A frequent but irregular high speed service on the mains and the relief lines clogged with Elizabeth line services and GW outer suburban trains. Whether freight paths are going to be used is only known a week or two before the date of operation, so way too late for planning railtours. From experience of timing freight services through Reading before the rebuilding, it was the case of look for a gap and then time back and then time forwards from that gap!

Cheers, Neil

 

Not foolproof I know, but RTT shows no arrivals at Southall WCR since whatever returned from Bristol last Sunday night !
And ecs for the CME arrives at Crewe from Carnforth, so given that last weeks Waverley was mostly maroon I assume it'll be last weekends mixed bag.

 

E ticket indicates 9 on with no buffet car so does that mean not normal all maroon set? But mixed set I've assumed it is

 

Worcester trip is scheduled to be the Blue and Greys, with Maroon Kitchen. Same as what 44871 took to Par last week.

 

It has recently been posted on facebook that 35028 passed her ftr exam today.
All good for tomorrow.

Cheers, Neil

 

Currently held at Whitton. Line between Wokingham and Reading closed

 

''A broken rail between Wokingham and Reading means that all lines are currently closed.

As a result, trains are unable to operate between these stations and will be cancelled or revised.

Disruption is expected to continue until 12:00''.

 

Now the magical mystery tour.... Train is currently heading for Basingstoke, I assume a reversal and then again at Reading to resume the booked path.

Andrew

 

Nearly went from Farnborough north to Reading but decided Frimley Staines so bit of a bonus Woking Basingstoke Down Fast hmm probably not!

 

Straight out on the down fast at Byfleet and I assume that is where we will stay to Basingstoke.

I'm taking this an an unexpected bonus at the moment, could be a fairly short visit to Worcester.....

Andrew

 

Greens all the way.

Thanks for the updates. <BJ>

 

ax

After Farnborough 70 /74 all the way very unexpected bonus !! Working hard through Woking whistling all the way pity they will no videos though!

 

Leaving Basingstoke 10.23 much as I dislike diesels on the back they do come in handy some times!

 

Tour will soon pass 1Z48 Nantwich to Weymouth which has had loco problems southbound with 47.593 leading. Tour diverted at Maindee Jn. towards Newport so that trailing 47.805 could lead.

Think it's going to be one of those days. <BJ>