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RTC: Dorset Coast Express 22/7/26

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by buzby2, Jul 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM.

  1. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    First of the season BUT subject to Network Rail not having a 'Black' [NO STEAM] regime in place for Wednesday week:

    WCRC Southall to Victoria [ECS]: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed
    Victoria to Weymouth: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed
    Usual trundle to Basingstoke then a rare (?) outward routing via Eastleigh and Botley to Fareham where the train reverses with the tail-end diesel taking over to haul the whole train via Hamble to Southampton, Bournemouth and Weymouth.
    Winchfield seems to be the usual outward water stop and I wonder if the 22 minute stop at Brockenhurst Platform 1 might also see a water tanker attending or car park fire hydrant used [subject to third rail not precluding this]. More water (and coal?) at Weymouth Jersey Sidings I guess.
    Weymouth to Jersey Sidings: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed
    Jersey Sidings to Weymouth: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed
    Weymouth and main line all the way to Waterloo: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed Water stop possibly at Eastleigh Signal E85 [alongside Southampton Road Car Park] ?
    Waterloo to WCRC Southall [ECS]: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed
     
    buzby2, Jul 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM
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  2. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Also, I understand, the first time 34028 will have run into Waterloo since withdrawal in 1964.
     
    Bulleid Pacific, Jul 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
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  3. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Although with only a few days of drizzle forecast down this way a temps still in the high 20's or low 30's before then I will be surprised if it is not a bit longer still before 34028 hits Waterloo again.
     
    Gladiator 5076, Jul 12, 2026 at 5:38 PM
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  4. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Indeed. But that's the historic context for whenever it happens first this summer.
     
    Bulleid Pacific, Jul 12, 2026 at 6:14 PM
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  5. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    I will be amazed (and, frankly, worried) if there is any steam at all on this run, sadly. No rain forecast so the already bone-dry conditions can only worsen. A great shame - I was looking forward to seeing 34028 out.
     
    Deepgreen, Jul 14, 2026 at 8:36 PM
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    The Gricing Owl likes this.
  6. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    Hope NR decide soon as if they ban steam it will save the support team from travelling needlessly to Southall and back again.
     
    buzby2, Jul 14, 2026 at 9:55 PM
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  7. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    I think that has happened already looking at other threads.
    Red for Scottish Route, Black elsewhere.

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Jul 14, 2026 at 10:29 PM
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