RTC 2025

RCT, are stuck with West Coast, because there is no other operator now, with the stock that could operate the level of tours RCT run,
Thats in part what caused me to ask the question, of could anyone else decide to enter the Railtour./ charter market?
previously there was not a problem, West Coast had the engines and stock, and everything was fine, until things started to go pear shaped, much of which can be laid at West Coast's own door, first it was not operating according to the ORR'S satisfaction, which lead to a complete ban, then since, it's been over the fitting of CDL which all other operators of MK1's on the network has complied with, except West Coast, Had another provider of stock tied in with having steam engines on its book, and a steam safety case, had been available, there's every chance that RCT, might have jumped ship, but now, there's no one else, , that can accommodate them,

 

This is why the end of the Riviera/DB route is such a loss. Not that long ago RTC might have been able to fill the slot taken by UKRT. But ultimately what happens is not really in the hands of a marketing company, the real question will be whether the Mk2 plus air braked loco model makes money year on year for WCR. Not this year, I suspect.

 

Although the original Steam Dreams attempt to switch to DB did not go that well I seem to remember.

 

Assuming a rational world in which people make rational business decisions, the inference must be that WCR do not see a viable future for main line steam in this country and are unwilling to invest more of their own cash in making it happen. Reliance on third party locomotive owners is all very well, but the relationship with A1 Trust didn't last long, and reading the rather terse tone of some of the announcements around the time of Eddystone's non appearance last month, it is possible that relations with SLL aren't going too well either. It's not just RTC that are left in the lurch.

 

In which case,how do explain the purchases of the Riviera Mk 1s and 2s and the hiring in of 45212 and Tornado? These seem to me more consistent with a belief, possibly mistaken, that there is a viable market out there.

 

......not to mention the fairly recent purchase of 45110 and 5593

 

To cover existing contractual commitments, rather than a long term investment. The Riviera stock is equally suited for diesel-hauled charters. Tornado was a squandered opportunity, because there IS wider public interest in trains hauled by big name, powerful locomotives (rather than by anonymous Black 5s) and came fully equipped for future main line use.

 

Self-preservation ? To prevent those coaches being obtained by a competitor, apart from the already CDL fitted Mk 2 stock, no others have been used, and only two coaches so far, have been fitted with CDL, Had those coaches found away into an competitor's hands, it would have enabled them to have increased their own presence in the industry

 

I did not see anything terse in the SLL update on Eddystone, just an issue with the electrics.
Rational business decisions and the mainline steam world are not really words I expect to see in the same phrase.

 

I understand from one of the stewards todays CME had a generator car in the consist behind the 37.
Irony not lost on me.

 

Whilst waiting for our train at Derby Station today a GBRf charter came in with a rake of Eastern Rail Services air cons behind it. No reason Tornado could not haul these - there are alternatives.

 

Eastern Rail Services have 2 air con charter rakes, a set of Mk2s and a Mk3 set. Branch line society used the Mk2s for their shuttle services and UKRT had the Mk3s on Saturday. Nemesis are also assembling a rake for charter use apparently.

Dave B

 

Just needs a TOC to operate it....

 

DB Cargo??

 

They do have an Safety case that includes steam, in theory, could a tour operator hire it, and ask , DBS if they can provide the crew?

 

I'd have thought it's the other way around. First the A1 Group needs to find a TOC willing to commit to operate a programme of charters using Tornado. Then it needs to find a marketing outlet, either in house or out of house. Does Tornado Railtours still exist? Then you need to agree who takes the various risks, how they are shared out, the various what ifs.

 

Tornado Railtours is now called 21st Century Steam.

Dave B

 

But as so many seem to hate Mk2's what makes a Mk3 better?
I understand from other forums the a/c is not exactly reliable on those.

 

Why is it that the operators of these for hire rakes, can't seem to have proper working Air con then? is it lack of spares, or is that the verious systems in use then, are no longer supported? You hear numerous grumbles about non-working air con, especially in the stock currently thats available, and on a very hot day it can for passengers get very close to it being unbearable, potentially hazardous to be in a coach with no ventilation,