VT - 5043 & The Cotswold Explorer - Revised Date 19 Oct

We have moved the Cotswold Explorer from 12th to 19th October. Remember, this is the tour that won railtour of the year in 2012....only this time we are taking REG the water carrier, eliminating water-stops along the way.

You get the climb up Sapperton, then a sprint along the GW Mainline, a stop to wonder around Oxford, then back along the North Cotswold and up Old Hill bank!

Why isn't this tour sold out?

Anyway, our Enthusiast Class will be behind the loco and REG all day, followed by Standard. The stock will NOT get turned, so it is a great oppertunity to experience a double-chimney Castle doing what it does best on home metals!

http://www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk/tours/tr_2013_1012.htm

 

Ben

Will the start and finish times be similar to last year ?

Thanks

Paul

 

Estimating a 07:00 departure from Tyseley. Quick water top-up at Worcester around 08:15 and Oxford shortly before 11:00. Departing Oxford approx 14:45 and back to Tyseley 18:00

Cheers!

 

Where are you planning on doing the water stop in Worcester?

 

Hydrant - P2.....just enough to get a quick top-up and a photo or 2.

 

Ah, fair enough. You should be able to occupy P2 for about 45 minutes on a Saturday morning, as I'm sure you know.

 

Ben,

One seat in Enthusiast Class duly booked. This year's trip has the makings of an ever better day out than last year.

Will the support coach be on the rear of the formation then?

Nick M.

 

Support Coach is on the back....Enthusiastic persons at the front behind REG the water carrier!

 

It's almost 8.45 on the morning that this train was originally scheduled to run. It's dull and pretty cold here in Gloucestershire, with a strong north wind. Hopefully better conditions, both for passengers and linesiders on the revised date.

 

Revised timings thanks to JS, NR and RTT. Dated 14/10/2013. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50539/2013/10/19/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50536/2013/10/19/advanced

 

Hi Ben,

Times from RTT show a 53 minute fester in a loop within spitting distance of Oxford, similar to last year. Hopefully something can be pulled out of the hat on the day to avoid this exasperating loss of valuable drinking time.

Nick M.

 

Oxford's crying out for more than 2 through platforms.

 

A revised set of timings have been offered and will, no doubt, be accepted by VT and will issued on Monday.

JS

 

Revised timings - later departure and only 17 minutes in loop south of Oxford - links as post nr 10.

 

Just to clarify, these are the revised timings. Thanks to JS, Network Rail & RTT. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50539/2013/10/19/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50536/2013/10/19/advanced

 

I remember waiting for the Earl at Sapperton last year on 20th October. Does anyone remember the dense fog in the golden valley that day?
As you say, let's hope for better conditions this year. <BJ>

 

I do - I decided to go to Stonehouse a little lower down, as it was so foggy further up towards Sapperton. Unfortunately it was rather dull there.

Miserable forecast for Friday - wet and windy with showers to follow, Hopefully the showers won't be too bad on Saturday morning. At least that should keep the fog away this year.

 

Times accepted. 17mins outside Oxford awaiting a platform and reverse shunt manuver.

Departing Tyseley at 07:30 and returning at 18:17.

Other than a quick splash-and-dash at Worcester SH on the outbound, there are no water stops. Lots of non-stop mainline running.

We still have seats available if anyone is up for a day out behind the Earl!

 

Ben, just decided to go on this one but for some reason I can't get through to the tour page, it just ends up on the tour programme page each time.

 

Brian is working in it!

Cheers!