The Great Britain VII

Don't think this has been mentioned in this thread but you can keep up to date with the situation at Dawlish directly from Network Rail on this link .

I'm probably missing something here, but what is wrong with 70013?

 

Out of action for 3 months after crack discovered in the boiler.

 

Thanks, perhaps we can carry on with "Britannia" bearing in mind that it features the previous day.

 

The information came from Heritage Railway Magazine and that is all it states.
No information on 5305 LA site.
GC newsletter makes reference to works to the firebox.

 

The advertised target date for reopening at Dawlish is now 17 April, not much before the GBVII is due to pass on 26 April. Because of the need to book hotels in advance, I wouldn't be surprised if the contingency Plan B for GBVII is put into effect. This would involve changes of itinerary for the first two days, with a totally different itinerary for Day 2. We will await the advice from RTC to passengers in due course.

David

 

The GBVII is mentioned in the latest Steam Railway magazine on pages 50/51.

Tony Streeter reports that the GBVII will head to West Wales if Dawlish isn't open in time - " 'Plan B' involves the train going no further than Exeter - which is to be reached from London via Southern metals - before doubling back in the direction of Bristol. From there, the 'back up' route takes a left under the Severn, then heads on to Pembroke Dock".

Sounds as though it'll be London-Exeter-Bristol on day 1, then Bristol-Pembroke Dock-Bristol on day 2? Or maybe even London-Exeter-Bristol-Pembroke Dock on day 1?

James

 

Plan B would be 2 nights at Bristol......and Pembroke Dock for the day2
Work continues apace at Dawlish,however,with v good progress this week but.......

 

Latest news and a recent view of the repairs. <BJ>
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/timetables-and-travel/storm-damage/dawlish/

 

Looks like Dawlish will be ok but very unlikely that Bridgwater will be open. It could be many months more. Strange that its nit getting the press that Dawlish is.

Don

 

Water levels have dropped to reveal the track once more and Network rail will be assessing the situation in a few days time would be surprised if this line is shut for months as the tocs will will it open as soon as is humanely possible all depends what damage is found.

 

5-6 XC trains are being diverted via Westbury on weekdays with added running time so closure from Taunton to Bridgwater doesn't preclude a London Exeter Bristol itinery but it may result in a much slower and longer run. In truth no one quite knows as line capacity is also an issue if signalling is not fully reinstated or line speed limited.
NR are really working flat out (near my house!)so the TOC s and enthusiasts can only hope for the best.
The challenge for RTC lies with the logistics of hotel bookings as well as route changes!

Fingers crossed. Ray Mason

 

I was passing on what was said in yesterday's Pathfinder enews:

The Fordgate (Somerset Levels) flood damage cannot be properly inspected until water levels have fallen substantially, and may require the rebuilding of embankments, which could take several months to complete

They have cancelled their 19th April tour

Don

 

Images of Fordgate are available at the Network Rail website.
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/timetables-and-travel/storm-damage/
Scroll down towards the bottom. You can compare the images by their dates.
The water levels are lower now but there's still a long way to go. <BJ>

 

Just checked the Network Rail website today (Mar 5) and they now say Dawlish will open April 4. YES!!!!!

 

Darn it, sorry for that emotional outburst. I obviously need to work a little harder on cultivating my "British reserve" if I'm not going to stand out like a sore thumb :-0)