4464 Bittern to do 90mph on ECML - 29 June & 27 July 2013

A quick look at RTT seems to confirm 50 mph limit unfortunately.

Services to Scotland are cancelled. All Down trains will terminate at Newcastle or Carlisle

 

If they're terminating everything at Newcastle, will there be space for Bittern?

 

Really feeling for everyone involved with this ill-fated venture, operations staff and passengers alike. It really does seem to be jinxed. Good luck and hope you get something out of it.

 

Actually even better...... All Scotland services are suspended. Scotrail tweet all trains will terminate at next station for passengers to disembark. Let's hope there isn't a service on the approach to Corrour!

Network Rail tweets..... "Due to the huge amount of debris - trampolines, hay bales, trees - on the tracks the entire network in Scotland in being closed down...
...we will need to make sure all lines are clear and not damaged before we can reintroduce trains"

Sounds pretty bad.

 

One of the 4464 support crew heading north by train reported a short while ago that his train was stopped outside Doncaster due to "something on the line."

 

Local BBC said speed restriction of 50 mph on the ECML north of York - don't think I will be heading out to see/video unless that is raised.

As many have said, you have to feel for the organisers and passengers - this trip seems fated!

It is very windy here in Northallerton (loud gust just then!) - 74 mph gust reported at York and 66 mph at RAF Leeming.

Steven

 

Gusting over 60mph in Durham now... and the A1 is closed.

 

From National Rail, updated at 09:42: ''No trains are running north of Newcastle as no alternative transport is available passengers are advised not to travel''.

The charter is now in the Doncaster area. <B,J>

 

07-30 ex KX timed for 80mph just left Donny 2 down, so no apparent obstruction heading north there now.

 

His train is on the move again with intermittent carriage lighting. Doesn't look like he'll be going very fast today though.

 

Even if the trip gets to Newcastle I can't see it being the 90 mph run northbound anyway.
Was intending to watch it through Birtley/Low Fell, think road problems will stop me venturing out though.
Best of luck to all involved with the trip.

 

NR website has trains from Birmingham northbound are terminating at York.
Will steam power prevail over a nearly empty track?

 

Steam stopping distances Versus risk of obstruction on track..... Fingers are crossed for everyone involved!!

 

Looking at RTT and Yorks departure boards, this doesn't look hopeful.
0937 to KX from Edinburgh is at Platform 87 mins late, Edinburgh York is 141 mins late, and stuck outside the station for 20min or so (I'm guessing most platforms are full).

2 northbounds also still at platform..

The tour arrived 26 mins late and is at Platform, departure is err... Supposed to be Now ?

Nothing seems to be going north just yet, sending a steam train north and leaving regular passengers stranded would be a foolhardy PR move, even if it was safe to do so, even at slow speed.

That stocks going to be in the way, maybe a run to Scarborough to make space ?

 

Problems with signals now at York apparently.

Tour is standing on platform 10 so facing north and cant access Scarbrough line. I wouldnt want to be there in winter!

Meanwhile, sun is breaking through the clouds there in County Durham...