Worcester Christmas tour - 1st Dec.

Outside chance I'll get see this on Saturday provided the meeting I'm heading to isn't postponed and it doesn't run late on the day. Anyone know if the current flooding issues may effect the route or even if the tour runs?

 

Shame the entire return will be pretty much completely black, Sapperton not looking a good option this time

 

There's lots of disruption around Oxfordshire, and the main rivers (Thames, Cherwell, Ock, Thame, etc.) are still rising. The situation will certainly change between now and then, though. BBC Oxford Travel web-page has links to local travel news, public transport, etc. Suggest you check this on Friday evening.

 

The level of the River Avon through Bath has dropped approx a metre in 24 hours. Hopefully, now that the worst of the rain has passed us in the southern half of the country, other river levels will also quickly drop. <BJ>

 

Forecast suggests flood levels now should get better by the day as the week goes on, course in any damage has been caused you have to allow time for that to be fixed too.

Really the route needs to be ok by Friday rather than the weekend, Lizzies still tucked up at Tyseley currently remember.

 

Yes, washouts and/or electric signalling gear damage was what I was thinking of when I made the original post rather than the residual water levels by Saturday.

 

Moonlighting as Lizzie support crew today. We just topped up with water at Oxford, LE. We are on our way - not expecting any issues!

 

Does anyone know if the tour will have a diesel on the back tomorrow? Don't wish to start a great debate, just curious!

 

Thanks Al, will see if the diesel that hauls the stock in the morning is detached before we leave.

 

Re: 6201, Worcester Christmas tour - 1st Dec.

The stock should have steam heat, but I don't think Lizzie's support coach does. Or at least it didn't have steam heat, or through piping for heat. West Coast do have a generator car but I haven't seen it used for a couple of years.

 

Probably. There is apparently no scheduled path for a light diesel out of Paddington after the train departs.

 

Departed Reading 09:14, safety valves lifting. Great departure! 47500 growling away on the back

James at SVN

 

Going well passed South Stoke (near Cholsey) at approx 9.25, 47500 dead/idle on rear.

 

Shouldn't be considered a great departure if the safety valves were lifting!

 

Looked magnificent through Pershore and about right time.

 

Seen passing Taplow in the gloom.Mainline Steam 2012 - Stephen Leek's Photos | SmugMug

 

Couple more to view here. First, bowling along at Purley in fine style, then laying down a smokescreen as the train approaches Pangbourne:

 

A few video snaps from this morning, first seen at a misty Cholsey, then rumbling through the Cotswolds near Lyneham. Looking forward to seeing (or hearing rather!) her up Sapperton later