Scarborough Spa Express 2010

I took my first trip on the SSE Loop tonight - I hope it works out financially for WCRC but I have to say that the train was still very quiet. But it isn't school holidays yet. I was disappointed that the Harrogate Loop had to be taken out of the picture, so went totally prepared to be underwhelmed by a tour of the recovering industrial dereliction that is West Yorkshire - so to get what I expected was no surprise.

6115 was back on song, thanks to overnight heroics, and chucking stinging cinders to fine effect.

After a strong start we first had a tour of every available point blade at Church Fenton - up fast right across the layout to up slow, then back again, as we gained the line to South Milford. Is no-one at Network Rail really capable of overriding that damned computer at the signalling centre, which seems to have a funny idea of route setting??

We then crawled through Castleford which would be far better left at a linespeed blur, and then to Normanton - an unrecognisable scene of dereliction compared with its former self and where the available platform is only about three coaches long. Then to Wakefield Kikgate - still largely intact - but falling apart. That is where the fun starts with the climb to Westgate and then the start and climb to Ardley - superb!

Then, right at the throat of Leeds station, we turn hard right and head east. It is really, really, difficult to see the commercial sense in this. Leeds with its interchange status must be a better stopping point than little Woodlesford, but if Network Rail can't provide a platform face what can a TOC do, but avoid the place - barking - but that our railway in the 21st Century.

We then ran through deep tree lined cuttings with no view at all, in complete contrast to the scenic views of North Yorkshire on the old route, and back to Castleford, thence retracing our steps to York with some smart running completely thwarted by being signalled to a stand to accommodate a light engine movement.

Its 5407 for the next two weeks and apparently 5690 the week after - then guesswork.

You pays your money, you takes your chance. The morning loop is said to run better than the evening - so we will have to try that.

 

I watched that farce from Ulleskelf and I can only assume it was done to allow a following dmu to go through..............why?

Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. :yo:

 

Went on the second run on Wednesday morning and it was simply superb. For someone coming from the land down under to ride the train, everything was top notch, the loco ran superb (OK, it failed later, but was excellent while we were on it), the crew and passenger staff were friendly, courteous and helpful and it was a great morning out. I agree that it was very lightly loaded and I hope WCRC get more punters for the rest of the season, but for this Oz enthusiast, I was mightily impressed.

Cheers
Tony

PS Many good recordings were made also, which will likely appear on my website and also at www.steamsounds.org.uk shortly.

 

Here's a pic on York Station prior to the departure for the morning loop with crew having some earnest discussions...



Cheers
Tony

 

Tony,

Glad you are enjoying your visit and that us poms can do something to impress you

John

 

I also went on the morning loop on Wednesday morning; there are some good moments to be had, especially the climb up to Ardley, but I will be surprised if this pays as well as the "normal" loop. The loss of Leeds and Harrrogate has to have a severe impact, plus of course their headline loco Hogwarts Castle looks like never working one of the trains, which despite what use enthusiasts think, is bad news for the family market. Still I look forward to some more runs through the Summer, but far less compared to the last two years for me, there is only so often you can face seeing castleford

 

Cas could be a ghost town, but no self respectiong ghost wants to be there

 

I've Just Booked this tour for 10th August on the York to York Circular on the morning run for the bargain £19 but the reciept/Ticket (yet to be printed) has come out with the date and destination unfilled. Does anybody know if they'll still accept it?

 

I've re-booked it again which worked but thanks for the non-replie(s)

 

45407 shortly after leaving York....................wave to the nice man on the footplate. :wave:

http://www.stuartbrown.me.uk/cpg/displayimage.php?pos=-1632

 

I had some company on Thursday while waiting for the SSE. :smile:

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Who you calling big ears?

 

It cant be one of Stuarts pics - theres no smoke/steam coming out of its funnels !

 

He didn't stop very long............... sort of hare today gone tomorrow!

I'll get my coat :bolt:

 

Can anyone confirm that 45407 worked the SSE today, 3 August?

 

She sure did! Was running a little late this morning but put in some great appearances. Simon

 

It did. Mr.Seymour doing the driving (Early shift) Mr.Riley doing a bit of "supervising". Quite a few slight slips getting out of Wakefield Kirkgate.

 

Thank you for the confirmation guys.

 

I'm waiting for her at York station today (was passing through and I thought I'd take the opportunity) - anyone know how she's running?