The Royal Duchy 2025

The first run of the season. 25th May, 2025 hauled by A1 class Tornado. Load 9 expected.

I have added a certain amount of detail to the list of stock numbers that I have. Please update if possible.

21249 Maroon mk.1 support coach
9527 ex ScotRail mk.2. Livery?
6176 blue and grey mk.2
1200 mk.2
3386 blue and grey mk.2
3304 mk.2
99712 maroon mk.1
3334 mk.2
3340 blue and grey

Rear gunner 47.802

<BJ>

UPDATE. Apparently it will be 3 maroons and 6 blue and greys - nice

 

60163 Tornado at Durston with The Royal Duchy en route to Par

 

60163 crossing the Somerset Levels with the first Royal Duchy of the season.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/54543853283/in/dateposted-public/

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/54543977645

Tornado leaving Yatton this morning.

 

No stock no train.
Can't see it from inside the train its been a nice day.

 

Not unusual under present circumstances. UKRT's purely diesel The Soul Exchanger yesterday from Euston to Aberystwyth and back, likewise operated by West Coast, had a similar mixture.

 

Being held outside Plymouth, someones on the track near the station

 

Here's a short clip of Tornado at the lower end of the climb to Hemerdon. The 47 was providing a little(!) assistance.

 

Can’t hear much from the inside either! Or have fresh air

 

I've paid for my ticket,
I have little sympathy for those whining that , the stocks different colours.

 

60163 Tornado at Bankland with The Royal Duchy en route to Bristol

 

Tornado returning to Yatton, not long before the rain came.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/16582147@N07/54543989217

 

Passing Cockwood Harbour this evening, shortly after leaving its scheduled pathing stop at Dawlish Warren.

 

Magnificent.

 

Unfortunately seeing as West Coast virtually have the monopoly on charter stock, tour operators have to accept what they send. They also have to use West Coast's affiliated caterers and I heard that everything is in house now. They can dictate whatever conditions they want now, as they have with the A1 Trust.

Talking of which isn't it strange that there has been no communications from the Trust to supporters since WCRC have taken over its running. Nothing on the website about the results of the ETCS testing.

Dave B

 

Some great footage of yesterday’s tour along the sea wall:

 

And my cropped effort from my own video, missed the sun by a few mins as usual…

 

Here's my footage of Tornado hauling the first Royal Duchy railtour this year. I filmed Tornado at Whiteball Bank, Stoneycombe on Dainton Bank, Hemerdon Loop and Fordgate. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Wow that was some climb of Hemerdon! I know that the 47 on the rear was more than assisting but Tornado sounds in very fine fettle.
Be interesting to know a summit speed - as I'm fairly certain it would be on a par with an HST...