Steam Dreams 2025

I'm confused here - what sort of 'gap' is there - a rail joint or a genuine, wide gap (caused by the impact?)? If the latter, that is effectively a derailment, as the loco/part of is/was not on a surface that allows it to be moved. I'm not being pedantic, but seeking to understand the situation, and to explain why other sources may have used the word "derailment" without them trying to be dramatic.

 

Another question occurs to me - does 61306 still come off at Salisbury on the return? I imagine the logistics remain unchanged, but wondered if 71000 specifically was to come off because it was due to travel on to another location.

 

Many thanks. On that basis, I don't consider the term 'derailment' to be inappropriate here. So, anyway, we have class 5 rather than class 8 power over the Portsmouth route's hills tomorrow.

 

That means I probably won't head out to see the tour now. A shame the incident happened but at least the loco seems to be fine. I might be able to get a second chance if 71000 gets the all clear for Fridays Saphos trip.

 

Is there a chance for tomorrow's london victoria to bath on the the Christmas Market steam train with S.D. passengers who intended to travel on the tour intent on wanting to have a ride behind 71000 Duke of Gloucester could get a partial or full refund if I refused to travel due to the motive power been swapped to 61306 Mayflower with the shunting incident at Hanwell.

 

Not a chance I would have thought. From SD's booking conditions:


4) Locomotives

On steam hauled tours every effort is made to run with the advertised locomotive however, in times of difficulty such as high fire risk, locomotive failure or restrictions imposed by Network Rail or other third parties Steam Dreams Rail Co. Ltd. reserve the right to substitute locomotives as necessary, including substituting a steam locomotive with a diesel locomotive. This will only be considered as a last resort.

If the removal of a steam locomotive is necessary due to third party action outside of our organisation no compensation will be offered if the trip is hauled by a diesel or electric locomotive

On steam hauled trips, a diesel or electric engine may be included in the set in addition to the steam locomotive and at times be required to provide assistance.

All operators have something like the above T & C's.

 

You're refusing to travel behind a steam loco on the main line, 57 years after the end of BR steam. Your loss I'm afraid. [BJ]

 

I understand it can be frustrating when the advertised loco changes but unfortunately things happen. It's fortunate that there even is a replacement steam locomotive at the same depot.

 

I dident say wether I was intending to travel or not on tomorrow's tour cos I am anyway I only copped wind of this shunting incident tonight at hanwell.
I booked it especially for a friend who also wanted to ride behind 71000 duke of Gloucester i once went behind it at a E.L.R. winter steam gala in 2012 Bury to Rawtenstall ret.
Does this mean as well now that the Oxford Southend tour on 17 is now not going to be 71000 duke of Gloucester rostered and other saphos tours for December 2025 71000 is rostered on will now have other steam locos rostered for them would anyone know? as I was thinking of booking the Southend Oxford tour to try get a 2nd chance at going behind 71000.

 

71000 is on the train this morning. All good.

 

A surprise to be sure. But a welcome one.

 

Get your sandwiches ready Davo, the Duke is hauling your train today . <BJ>

 

I can only imagine the efforts behind the scenes to get 71000 out today, after recent events.

 

don't worry I'm on it I decided to after negotiating with my mate last night, I'm travelling with who drove us to London down the M1 from W yorks a pic of 71000 Duke of Gloucester at London vic. My first mainline outing on 71000 quite enjoyable as well.

 

Through Woking

 

Sums my luck up, decided not to head out when 61306 was announced as a replacement and 71000 ends up on it anyway, but great to see the loco made it.

Fingers crossed I get lucky Friday night when the Duke comes to my local station, albeit I won't be able to get as many pictures and it'll be at night.

 

Self inflicted wound I’m afraid so no sympathy here. Even if it had been 61306, its steam so why not go out and enjoy?