"The Atlantic Coast Express" Sunday 7th.April 2013.

Re: RTC daytrips 2013

Your wish is my command :thumb:


Below is a link back to the generic RTC thread, where these posts were originally split from.
http://railways.national-preservation.com/whats-going/38713-rtc-daytrips-2013-a-15.html

 

I read somewhere that they were the widest (in dimensions) class to run on Britain's railways at 9' 1/2". I'm starting to think that this may be the last time we see 30777 as a 'big railway' locomotive, as the severe route restrictions really have had an impact on what tours it can do. As for the platform at Templecombe, it seems to be of modular construction just in case it is decided to reinstate double track, and it was put in place last June/July to ease disabled access to the exit (there was only a footbridge and barrow crossing before, so this was a cheaper option than re-doubling). It will also mean that the station no longer needs to be staffed (the old up platform is no longer in use; tickets to be bought on the train), and will probably clear the way for demolition of the remaining buildings, as there is already a 'bus shelter' in place.

 

My view is this trip should now be postponed until "Braunton" is available and then run it as advertised.

 

Outline Times for this train are here t0407a.htm. This shows the original planned loco movements in detail, but the train itself is only in outline as it is still not in TRUST. I anticipate these will all change now that 777 is not available.

David

 

From my perspective, I rather hope it isn't postponed, and I would be happy for a day out on the Southern Region in whatever guise it actually takes. However, the ball's in Network Rail's court, as always.

 

The new platform at Templecombe is indeed modular however not with the prospect of reinstating double track in the future. The rail over road bridge at the London end of the platform was singled many years ago to improve road clearance and to reinstate a double bridge over it would be cost prohibitive. The platform should have been installed when the WoE line signalling was transferred from the old boxes to Basingstoke last March but was delayed to the summer. Temporary staff were used to control the barrow crossing but to do this in the long term is cost prohibitive and the set up of having to cross over the line to board a train not condusive to passenger expectations. As for the removal of the old buildings, I haven't heard anything about when they will be removed but as the waiting room was only constructed in the 1980's and the signalbox is not listed, they will undoubtedly be removed.

Apart from Templecombe (although it is a completely straight platform) the only other location where the Arthur could be restricted post 2007 would be at Axminster with the new loop and platform.

There was also mentioned on here about bi-directional running on the dual track sections. Apart from the loop at Chard which is only a loop, and Axminster loop which is bi-directional, the only other dual sections of track are between Templecombe and Yeovil Junction and Pinhoe and Exeter. The bottom section is up and down lines only and the line through Sherborne is Bi-directional on the old up line only so I'm pretty sure the ACE can only run over the up (bi-directional) line on the return run.

 

Thanks for that detailed appraisal of the situation; it just goes to show how quickly the railway network can change almost beyond all recognition. A sad state of affairs, though, and a latter-day consequence of BR(W) singling the route back in the 1960s.

 

Personally would like to see this postponed really,don't quite fancy travelling from Wakefield to Basingstoke and back in a day for yet another full day of Tangmere and a diesel.

Unless a decent substitute loco was found....would prefer to see it caped and wait for 34046 (again....when will we see that damn thing)

Cheers,
Mark

 

We'll probably see 34046 next ticket... If it is postponed, I'd prefer it to be in October, as I'd rather not mess my employer around over the next few months, and I've got an equally lengthy journey ahead of me to get to London. However I suppose I'm lucky in that I haven't got any outlay other than a ticket from my local station to London this weekend, and even then I was planning on purchasing it on Saturday. The fact remains that I really haven't had much luck with the Waterloo-Exeter route, which would mean 34067 + diesel would suit me fine if it does go ahead! Anyway, we'll see what happens, as a final decision should be made in the next 48 hours, anyway. I just feel sorry for the organiser, as they are probably in the dark as much as we are.

 

There are several ways the return trip could be arranged, with or without a DL for some sections, and perhaps with 777 if she's gauged for the alternative routes??

1) Send Tangmere light to Yeovil J to turn on the TT; DL follow with train at normal departure time; Tangmere work Yeovil-Salisbury-London.

2) Taunton, Bristol, Westbury, Salisbury, London - no need to turn, but a longer route than planned. If Tangmere used throughout will need more coal, time to clean the fire, etc. but maybe 777 can take over part-way?

3) Taunton, Bruton, Westbury, turn or change loco, Salisbury, London. This could be done with 777 waiting at Westbury...

4) Taunton, Castle Cary, reverse, DL-hauled to Yeovil J, reverse again, Tangmere to Salisbury and London.

5) If the stop in Exeter is lengthened a bit, Tangmere could go to Norton Fitzwarren, turn on the WSR triangle and then haul the train all the way home. Again, needs plenty of time to service and prep the loco for the return. Loco crew hours shouldn't be too much of an issue, though, since a second crew would have been booked for 777 anyway.

I've discounted a straight-forward return up the B&H because I assume a path through Reading won't be available.

 

The problem with that date is that I'll be reeling from the financial outlay of the A4s to Scotland trip. Anyway, let's see what happens.

 

ECS times to and from Waterloo now on Realtime Trains plus LE movement am from Waterloo at 0941 but no sign of main train times either way yet. Looks like Tangy will be trusted to take the 11 coaches by itself. It should be OK with the right driver. Pete Roberts? Not sure which other loco is available for the return and I guess thats why the full train times arent available yet, if it runs that is.

 

Tangers needs to be back in London for the following Saturday so looks sensible to run it back on our train.

 

Updated times are now at t0407a.htm, but I am still uncertain about motive power on the return service.

 

Thanks David for getting those times up and taking the extra trouble to put those links to RTT.

 

Yes, thanks for the help.

 

Cheers David. Much appreciated, as always.

Is 2 hours enough time to get Tangers to Norton Fitz, turn, clean fire, refuel and get back to Exeter? If not, looks like DL on the return trip. Unless Clan Line is dispatched to Exeter overnight - as if!

 

Times on rtt show a reversal at laverstock south junction so my guess is diesel with 34067 still on the back from Exeter to Salisbury.

 

Be nice to know what was actually happening before Sunday,certainly wouldn't get out of bed if that was the case,probably end up sat in the back coach all day....