RTC 2025

Back to 45212...

I happened to be at Hellifield when it arrived and ran round the support coach this week. I was vaguely aware of previous issues with the tender axle boxes so was pleased and impressed to see one of the crew checking each box in turn with an electronic temperature recording device. "So far, so good" was the comment I overheard. I feel for anyone who operates heritage equipment and has failures despite best efforts in the glare of armchair experts.

Thanks to all who put money and effort into main line steam. The world will be very much poorer when they all decide enough is enough and put the toys back in their boxes.

 

I want to say that I honestly regret any comments which might have made me come across as being judgemental on situations I don't know about. We can always strive to be better on these things and not point the finger and be critical of things we don't know about. Myself very much included.

 

RTC have no luck.
Somewhat ironic that having finally got an almost full train and a new loco for the Belle tomorrow, many of the Victoria passengers will have great difficulty in actually getting there with the tube strike.
Chatting to one of the steward last evening who normally drives to Royston, either a train on GA to Stratford, LO to Clapham Junc. and SO to Victoria or drive (via m25 in the rush hour to Staines). Either way will be along day for him and his wife.

 

I agree it's so unfortunate timing for RTC, it's passengers and those going out to see 34028's first mainline trip. Really hope those on the trip are able to find ways of getting into London.

 

News from RYTC. <BJ>

''Ride behind the magnificent Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 Clan Line on The Christmas Sussex Belle, Wednesday 19th November.
This special train will haul you from London to the beautiful Sussex coast, offering a wonderful opportunity for a leisurely lunch and scenic views''.
Secure your seat for this luxurious festive journey. https://bit.ly/3VvzpwR

Note: not via Templecombe !!


Image by Paul Blowfield

 

34028 Eddystone seen this morning passing Brookwood, what an incredible sight, congratulations to everyone involved



enjoy

 

Arrived Southampton 22 late but looking great

 

Hope everyone has been having a lovely time out seeing 34028, unfortunately sickness has prevented me from going. Please keep sharing videos of the day in here, would love to see them. So great to have a new addition to the mainline steam fleet.

 

So does this now mean that WCR now have another air braked steam locomotive available for traffic on RTC's steam tours?

 

Oooh that whistle - it sends a shiver down my spine. A wonderful sight and sound. [BJ]

 

If 45212 is going north - what chance of steam on the RTC West Somerset Steam Express on Sat 13th?

 

I would say not very likely, because, post its run today, SLL would most likely be wanting to ensure the loco is OK, and then there's the support crew, with the other activities at Swanage this weekend, People can't be in two places at once, I'm not saying no way, because, who knows, there might be enough people to do it, and the group may decide to say yes, if asked,

 

If not 34028, what other steam is available, given that 45212 is out of action? With 3 days to go, RTC are cutting it a bit fine letting punters know their trip may not be as advertised.

 

Exactly, unless some juggling of allocations is done at Carnforth, i.e., reduce the Jacobite's to just one steam, one diesel, to free up one of the black5's, then, move either that, or Tangmere to Southall, that just leaves 34028 at the moment, once the Jacobite's end, then, its odds on that one of the engines will move down,
As I said, in another post, I half expect next years program to be reduced on what has been offered this year, due to the reality of having such a small number of locos that can operate an air braked train.

 

Correct, but don't expect it to stray far from Southall.

 

Seems the return might be a little late off Swanage. Just adding Eddystone to the back at departure time.

 

Does a West Country even fit in their turntable

 

The Belle Left Swanage at 16.51.

 

Yep, about 16 down. Not sure if there is time to make back before Southampton.