SD to Chester14th April

Just seen the times for this and have noticed no pick up at Berkhamsted. Is this correct? If it is I know a few folk who are going to be dead miffed.

 

Hi Camraman,

Have you got the times, I haven't seen them yet? Could you send them to me? UK Steam's website doesn't seem to load the page?

Jason

*** EDIT ***

UK Steam's page seems to work now, thanks

*** EDIT 2 ***

That is rather annoying Berkhamsted isn't on there, but it still listed on Steam Dreams site - phone call on Monday morning me thinks...

 

Glad you are up to date. Potential Network Grrrr! involvement.

 

Just had info from Steam Dreams regarding this. Apparently it's all down to The Grand National taking place and the extra trains which prohibit a stop at Berkhamsted. Strange how neither NR or SD's saw this one coming until the last week isn't it? OK, as we are being service trained to MK in the morning and back from Northampton in the evening, with loss of steam mileage of course.

 

My thoughts exactly on how the Grand National wasn't a last minute event.

Disappointing that the steam miles will be less - as long as there is plenty of time for the return dinner service, then that'll be ok

Jason

 

Yes, my thoughts exactly, as my foursome is doing the foody option for the first time. Should be bags of time.

 

Can i ask a question - assuming these Grand National extra's are being provided by Virgin, why are they seemingly getting priority since they are in effect charters too, just running with a different TOC ?, I can understand priority being given to regular services, but i don't see why a Virgin charter should be able to run at the expense of other charters, surely the charter game should be a level playing field ?.

 

It's not what you know it's who you know

 

Vrigin Train's track access charges, like any franchised TOC are higher, they pay both the fixed as well as the variable access charges thus they get preference over those who only pay the variable charge.

John.

 

Cheers John, I assumed they had to bid for charter paths like everyone else.

 

70000 reported left Euston at 0750 with mixed set and 67 on rear.

 

As reported elsewhere. <BJ>

London Euston - Chester
70000 Britannia full steam and whistling all the way through Cheddington at
0830.
67028 at the back

 

Through Tring on time. Immediately preceded by a full pullman rake with top and tail 67's. I assume this was not chartered by Virgin. This presumably being the problem train that lead to no stop at Berko.

 

VSOE from London Victoria to Aintree. <BJ>

 

About 10 minutes late leaving Lichfield
Clip as well - lots of steam starting and a pity there is all the lineside catenary equipment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMH_ff9cItE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

Another simple lineside shot taken this morning at a blustery Wardle just after Crewe:

70000 Britannia on The Cathedrals Express - 14/04/2012 - YouTube

Chris

 

A video featuring another shot from Wardle, where it was good to have a chat with Chris,and passing the site of the old Waverton station on the return;

70000 - The Cathedrals Express - 14.4.12 - YouTube

 

Departing the Water Stop at Atherstone on the return in less than ideal light: Atherstone | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

A similar shot to David from Atherstone