60007: The London Christmas Express 28/11/09

According to a mate who was going to York,they had to apparently call in buses from York and left P'boro at circa 1am. Got to York circa 5am with the A1 and A64 been partially closed apparently. He got home at 9am. The people going further north were home considerably earlier as their coaches were sourced locally in the P'boro' area?

Jokingley he asked for a day out,not a weekend's holiday......

 

York to Kings Cross using a 1930s steam loco = 5 hours.

Kings Cross to York using "modern" traction and road transport = 11 hours.

 

It wasn't a good day for WCRC class 47s. I was on a tour to Newcastle and we had no heat on the return due to a serious wheel flat on 47787 so was left at Newcastle.

 

Well you can’t fault RTC, I’ve received a 50% refund of my fare already! – even though I was on my sofa at home watching ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ by the time all the problems started. Seriously though I do feel extremely sorry for all those on the return trip, a real shame.

 

Same just happened here as well.

Well done RTC, hope they can recoup it all from the stock owners.

I'snt it nice that somebody off their own back has decided to take the bull by the horns and do something about the situation.

All of the normal travellers on the day, are more likely to try again after this has happened.

They are the future when it comes to rail excursions.

Again well done RTC.

 

Was thinking of going on the Dec 12th trip with Sir Nigel from Cambridge to York and back for a rare chance of steam over the Fens but, don,t think I will bother now . Times on uksteam show a one hour water and pathing stop at Peterborough Yard ! I think RTC might reconsider running this tour again if this is the best path they can get .
Does network rail really expect people to sit on a train in a siding for an hour watching the world go by !!

 

I will be! A rare chance to go somewhere other than Norwich from my home town. The 1hr stop is a pain but I can remember going to York about 6 years ago with (i think) scotsman. I got on at Peterborough and then ran into the yard for an hour. A pain yes, but not a first.

 

Having travelled before you at least knew what to expect but , others will not be so fortunate . Sir Nigel has been performing very well lately so you should be in for a treat .
Last time I travelled with Scotsman she was failed with a faulty air pump and was towed by an electric ! Hope she is more reliable when she finally emerges from the NRM .

 

Last time I travelled with scotsman it failed as well. It was on a Ride the legend run. It got propelled by a 37 from scarborough then we returned a bit late with (if I remember correctly) 76079 which happened to have run in on another tour. Anywho I can't wait for the run up the ECML in a week and a half!

 

60007 certainly is on good form. Off to Lincoln for me this weekend. Booked Fast Line up Stoke from Tallington Junction.

 

I'll do you a deal. You do my job for me on Saturday and I'll go on the trip to York. If the price of a steam tour from CBG to York and back is an hour's trainspotting in PBO yard then that's one I'd gladly pay.

 

Have you never noticed it is quite often to spend even longer than that sat there..... We're lucky to have steam on the ECML at all and you complain about sitting P'boro' yard!!!

 

If you took a vote from all the passengers on the 12th I think most would rather be in York half an hour earlier than trainspotting at PBO . Most people travelling on charters are not trainspotters and might think twice about travelling again ! Then you would have less steam on the ECML !!!
Steam Dreams intend running to York monthly but , they wont be sitting at PBO all day !

 

There will be a very good reason for the stop at PBO. Pathing a 75 mph train on a 125 mph network isn't easy and whilst it may be frustrating to sit for an hour, I've been on many a tour that has had watering/pathing stops in excess of 40 minutes. It's the price of having steam on a high speed main line.
Had a complete evening meal in PBO yard back in 1994. Didn't bother too many people as we then had a non stop run into Kings Cross as a result.

 

I wonder why this tour was never repeated . May be too many non-diners complained .

 

There is hardly a bloody uproar from complaining passengers! I only know of the odd impatient person who has complained. It is a little annoying to know when you get on at Peterborough you are going to go straight into the yard,but as SC says it is for a good reason,sit in the yard or sit in the house. Simple.

 

There is no need to get agitated just because someone expresses an opinion contrary to your own . This is a forum for discussion and debate !
Enough said , I have better things to do on a friday evening than quarrel on here .

 

I don't care at all about sitting in a yard or loop for a while; can always have a drink, a chat, or a snooze. However, over the years I have heard a good few queries and complaints in premier class from passengers who are not steam or railway enthusiasts. They don't usually mind a station stop but do object to stops in out of the way places. A few 66s etc do nothing for them (and many on this forum).
Cheers
Alan

 

My wife would go up the wall if she had to sit in some siding for an hour - it would confirm her suspicion that we are all a bit nuts. As others have said, it's the normal public who subsidise our hobby (or is that obsession) - alienate them at your peril.

 

It was repeated. First trip sold out in no time so they ran a other and that sold out too.
Went behind 6024 a couple of years later and most of the evening meal was served during the Gloucester water stop and that run has been repeated several times with different locos. Diners are more concerned about the quality of the food that if the train is moving or not.