The Atlantic Coast Express 5th-8th September 2014

And the Duchy also needs an engine on the 7th

Don

 

.....and all the time a certain powerful, big blue engine named Tornado just sits it out.

I appreciate the WCRC issues with the loco but what a waste of an engine with a main line ticket . <BJ>

 

The Torbay Express, of course, is a DBS operation, so perhaps there's scope for Tornado to cover that while the 2 Bristol-based LSL locos, Braunton and Nunney Castle, work the ACE. We know Nunney can operate as far west as Truro, after this year's Great Britain, and I would expect that Braunton can cope with the train from there to Penzance if necessary. (Does anyone know if the bridge restriction near Hayle still applies?)

It might make sense to send Tangmere from Exeter to Bristol on Friday evening, keep her in steam on Saturday, use her on Sunday's Bristol-Par, and then return to Exeter on Monday morning. The difficulty with that may be providing enough support crew. They'll need the equivalent of 2 shifts, at least. On the other hand, it's 4 full days away from home for the loco, so they might as well use her as much as they can.

There's still the issue of Par turntable, of course. Will it be available again during September? Hopefully, WCRC and DBS can use the same arrangement as for the June/July trips - whatever that was. St Blazey could be a busy place on Sun 7th, with 3 engines on shed. I guess they'll turn all 3 the same afternoon, so that whoever supervises the operation is only required for the shortest time possible.

 

But then again, another big LNER blue engine could be around in Bristol area in early September, ... maybe.

 

I don't appreciate the WCRC issues. They are ridiculous.

 

I am sure if someone asked nicely that Tornado would be made available.

Foxy

 

None-the-less they exist.

 

I wonder whether LSL can turn out enough support crew for three locos operating on 3 out of 4 days? I seem to remember this has been a stumbling block in the past. I'll be very happy to be proved wrong on this one, though.

 

It can't be doing them any favours regardless of what they say, they are loosing money not having this engine running on the main line. They don't have so much money for overhaul they can rely on a few Heritage Railways for income.
Someone dropped the Ball with this, but I won't go over old ground again, but most could see it coming with their choices.

 

I would have thought that given the problems with availability of Class 8 locos, the people who have "dropped the ball" are the promoters who can't call on Tornado. The loco and its support crew worked d**n hard and reaped the rewards - now both can afford to take life a little easier - a description I doubt applies to life for those who advertise steam operated trips and then have regular nightmares actually providing the steam!

Steven

 

Agreed. Work on preserved lines can be surprisingly remunerative for the A1SLT, remember they have a well-oiled merchandising team and that the locomotive has been working driver experience trains between booked turns. Although there has to be a LE movement to the NVR for the 10th, it is possible that Tornado could be made available for the ACE and kept in steam for a week to include the LE movement which has to be better for the locomotive. It might even help with arranging a support crew!

I am sure SD has a direct line to the A1SLT!

Foxy.

 

If the WCRC problems still exist, why is Tornado at Southall?

 

It is based at the Locomotive Services depot at Southall, not the WCRC depot. It is operated by DBS and DCR.

 

OK, thanks for that. I didn't realise that there was a split depot. All looks like one from the outside.

 

Yes, Tornado can only help on the ACE indirectly, by hauling the DBS-operated Torbay Express, releasing the LSL locos for the ACE or, perhaps, the Royal Duchy.

 

if it wasn't a WCRC operation it wouldn't be running at all as DBS has always said in the past that they wouldn't work steam into Cornwall or double headers, too long and complicated for them, remember why SD gave up on them in the first place? crewing difficulties.