CATHEDRALS EXPRESS 19/05/11 (CARLISLE)

Looks like diesel from Euston to Preston the 86 still has work to be done on it

 

Looks like "The Duke" will be chasing SG over the S & C just about 30 mins behind it aswell

 

Shame 86259 wont get a run out,not been about for a long while now.

You on it Geoff?

 

As nothing has appeared about lineside conditions on S&C lately, I assume all nice and damp.

 

Whats happening with 86101/87002 these days? I thought they just sat at Willesden?

 

So is this whole excursion now postponed?

 

Looks likely.

 

just had a phone call from Marcus trip off until August letter to follow

 

Very sadly 86259 requires more extensive repairs than anybody realised. 86101 could not be made available in time. 87002 no good as 87's are Air Brake Only, and cathex is a Vacuum set. Most 86's had the Vacuum brake kit disabled or removed in later years. The timings issued were too tight to achieve with Diesels, and delays on the WCML cannot be contemplated. Once 259 is up and running it should see more use on this type of job. ( I like to think of AC locos as 'remote steam engines'. They are still powered by steam, its just a lot further away!) A

 

To give an idea, if you leave Euston with 12 on with an Electric, you are shutting off at 100mph just after Wembley Central. With a 47, you will be doing about 65-70 at Tring 31 miles out, with a Pendo chasing your Tail Lamp. From Euston to Tring it is uphill all the way, with the exception of a very short stretch near Bushey.

 

Just got the call, Very disappointed, still there is always August I guess.

 

so long as it rains........

 

The tour will now replace the trip to Manchester with 60163, which is now cancelled.

 

It was allowed four hours and 19 minutes to Preston - clearly perfectly achievable by a diesel.
;
Bear in mind also that there were two trains from London to Carlisle today.