Clan Line to Exeter - 30/6/13

I'm sure we will enjoy being at the back of the train all day even more listening to that ticking over!

 

Aaah, the joys of a day out with steam!

 

You could well be right there. Looking at videos of yesterdays CE run with 60163, coach L (which we are in) was third from the front (including the support coach) on the return run which means we will be the second to last coach on Sunday all day as the train is not reversing at Exeter. What a bugger.

 

Does ECS reverse in Battersea Loop? That could well make a difference to what class is at the front on Sunday.

 

Train reversed at Wembley on way back so maybe real steam enthusiasts will be at front so let's all keep our fingers crossed!

 

Just a thought for those opting to see both 'Clan Line' and 'Oliver Cromwell' in the Castle Cary area on Sunday evening, be aware that the Glastonbury Festival ends that evening. With approx 130,000 people needing to get home, the roads in the area could be busy from late afternoon. <BJ>

 

And what makes you think "real steam enthusiasts" don't travel in first class?! If you are 6' 4" and of an,ahem,slightly generous loading gauge, then I can assure you that 12hr plus in a bay of 4 in a TSO is not a lot of fun. There is sometimes less competition for a window in FC as well.

Interestingly it seems that FC non-dining is now at one end of the train,rather than in the middle as it nearly always has been, so I will have my fingers crossed as well! Whatever happens,should be a good day anyway.

 

My fingers and toes are crossed..............

 

Bad news, word on the ebor streak is that Clan Line has failed with a problem with a superheater element... Anyone confirm ?

 

What rotten luck! Any chance of a replacement, I wonder? Tornado's probably the only chance. Probably too late to organise...

 

I can confirm that this is correct, and that Clan Line has been withdrawn from tomorrow's Exeter train. This leaves the motive power for the train uncertain. Perhaps Tornado is in steam and can be made available ? - although gauging approval may be an issue as I don't think Tornado has been down the South Western to Exeter in the last 6 months. Tangmere would be an outside possibility if it could be made available to DBS.

Incidentally Clan Line is now out of gauge on the up line at the Oborne bridge near Sherborne, hence the return route via Westbury. It raises doubt about other engines at this location.

David

 

So what are the chances of Tangers being made available? Not sure I fancy an all day trip behind a Shed.

 

The tornado crew was the source... They are in their new support coach on the back of the Ebor streak heading back to London...So unfortunately they can't.

 

Is it just a case of turn up at Waterloo tomorrow find out whats on the front then get the first service train home? Not been in this situation so late in the day before so don't know what to expect.

 

Class 66 or 67 I am told.

 

And things were just starting to really look up this year after a bad patch earlier.

I guess today deminstrates the fragility and uncertainty of mainline steam. Superb running by Bittern. And then one of the more reliable locos fails.

 

I am told that tomorrow's train will be diesel hauled.

David at www.uksteam.info