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The Scottish Lowlander, 27th September.

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by RalphW, Jan 29, 2014.

  1. spindizzy

    spindizzy Member

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    Long days, quite happy to do that, it's going to be a 2am start for us south of Watford, what I am struggling to understand is why there is not a reasonable break for people to get some decent grub. 6am departure means the only breakfast we will get is from Mcdonalds, then a diet of rolls, snacks and beer for over 15 hours, it will be tough going. Are there porters on hand at Crewe to help load passengers provisions on the train, I'm not sure I will be able to carry my beer bag on my own.
     
  2. Desert Songster

    Desert Songster New Member

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    .
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2015
  3. NeilL

    NeilL Well-Known Member

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    I know which side my bread is buttered. When my wife starts trying to get involved in steam activities I will join the church.
     
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  4. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    In retrospect, what could have been done in Edinburgh in an hour? 400 people piling off a train, half trying to squeeze in the nearest pub (the Half Way House, the Guildford or the Cafe Royal- nearest Spoons is 10 minutes away on Leith Walk and is always full; the Standing Order is a good 15 minute walk away), no time for anything beyond fast food, only enough time to browse a couple of shops within quarter of a mile from Waverley, and there's the good old chestnut of frequently looking at your watch and thinking "I should be getting back, now". In many ways, the trip as it currently transpires is probably the better option in the end, notwithstanding the lack of breaks.
     
  5. banana patch

    banana patch Member

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    Standard up front and no diesel on the back would do it for me the rest I will take as it comes
     
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  6. Elendil

    Elendil New Member

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    In its original form is was supposed to be 2hrs in Edinburgh which would have been fine.
    The attraction was for me travelling into and out of Edinburgh on a steam train past the Castle etc., and it would have attracted a lot of attention too.

    Just hoping now that RTC can arrange something to allow us off the train (even if it is just to look at the engine) other than at Carlisle.
     
  7. dublo6231

    dublo6231 Member

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    Ok - so we are not going to Edinburgh - disappointed at this as I had planned to meet my Scottish uncle in the capital as is he as he also loves Steam - we are also now not going via Kilmarnock - again disappointed (more so for sentimental reasons) as this was where I first made my acquaintance with Number 9 whilst on holiday with said Aunt and Uncle.
    But...we still have one hell of a trip - even with the lack of an official destination and no real breaks to stretch our legs. I'm fairly certain that the majority of passengers are going to be enthusiasts and for those who have read and contributed to the whole thread were quite aware that the tour as originally planned was optimistic in the extreme - all of the fears about the trip that were cast in the first dozen posts at the end of January have in a way come true.

    I'm still really looking forward to this trip - I still feel better to be on it rather than watching its progress on RTT and thinking - I could of travelled on that...

    For those travelling I'm in Coach K 13,14 and 15 with my Dad and a mate from school so please say hello.

    PS - If we are at the back and there is a diesel attached...I might not be quite such a happy chappy so lets not go there!!

    Roll on Saturday!!!
     
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  8. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    I'm really looking forward to it, and a couple of mates are (hopefully) on the table, and they both know the score and still seem to be looking forward to it also. I'm in H 15 if anyone's passing though. Will probably make a dash for Spoons in Crewe if we're back before 23:00...
     
  9. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Don't be surprised to find a Mod not a million miles away from you........again!
     
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  10. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Not surprised at all. Someone's got to run the carriage when the stewards lock themselves away after Carlisle... ;)
     
  11. 6880rules

    6880rules Member

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    As advertised this was an excellent trip great locos ..great destination...great route ....and were we looking forward to it? ..oh yes
    Now all that's left is the locos ...ok that's what we go for ...but the rest has turned into something that to us is one big turn off...a lot earlier start... not going to Edinburgh...no decent hot meal..stuck on the train for 15 hours and more than likely not even seeing the A4 ....all this will make me think twice about booking something with RTC again ...
    In this information lead age I find it so hard to believe nothing was known until 6 days before the tour date...I really cant help thinking and call me cynical if you like ..there is an element of we have your money and we don't care ...I was fobbed off with a credit note to go on another tour when I called to cancel today...what do I do with a potential 436 quids of credit note with RTC
    After reading this and seeing that a full refund has been given I will be on the phone tomorrow.....
    This is not my first tour as we have travelled with Vintage trains many times ...even on the ill fated Braunton trip..and the Castle to Scotland..of which both had issues along the way beyond VTs control ... we took it in our stride and accepted it as part of the risks of running steam on the mainline...and still enjoyed it .....All we see hear is...bad planning with no interest in the customers enjoyment of the day out....I really feel sorry for the non hardcore enthusiasts...
    The customer is king and to be let down with 109 quid( plus all the other costs) to nowhere ...you are asking a lot of them ...
     
    Sheff likes this.
  12. KentYeti

    KentYeti Guest

    Go and pay you respects to Alex Salmond?
     
  13. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I recall that when The Wandering 1500 started to unravel, Nigel Dobbing did make the fair point about the extra hassle involved in planning an enthusiast focused trip and whether, ultimately, it really was worth it. At that time it was all complicated by a locomotive that was available and then it was not, another locomotive that was supposed to still be in ticket when it was not and, of course, the nonsense about using Liverpool Street.

    What The Lowlander has in common with the 1500 is that it is also predominantly an enthusiast trip. The difference is that it is far more conventional in terms of route and locomotives. I'm pleased that the RTC thought to try and run it. If WCR/RTC was told the trip could go to Edinburgh and NR changed its mind then that is an issue. That said, the pathing would always have been a problem - Ryder Cup or no Ryder Cup. The early start was inevitable so why the RTC says it is surprised about that is bemusing.

    Hopefully, the fact that the trip remains nearly full will allow those who do not wish to travel to get a refund. It'll be a hard call for the company though.
     
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  14. KentYeti

    KentYeti Guest

    Maybe there is a case then Al, to make it clear in the marketing that the trip is totally focussed on enthusiasts and price according to the expected reduced demand. With caveats about route etc changes more likely because more is trying to be packed in. Make it clear that the more hardened non enthusiast partners are also welcome and try and add a little something extra to keep them sort of happy'ish. A bit more than crisp white table linen, but I'm not sure what. Maybe an extra and otherwise empty first class car where they can wander down at will and compare notes with other partners from time to time and relax in a bit more comfort perhaps. A first class "club" car with extra clean toilets looked after the whole trip by a dedicated attendant. Would push the cost of the trip up a fair bit, but could save a few marriages!

    Anyway, back to this trip, I must go now and shut the stable door I left open last night. Even though I think most of the horses got out in the night!

    Oooh, under my Nat Pres number of post system I'm into being King Arthurs!

    30779 today. http://transportsofdelight.smugmug....8264_9sJ7Mjj#!i=1558948264&k=9sJ7Mjj&lb=1&s=A
     
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  15. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    It should also be noted that once the original tour left Carlisle, I do not remember it having a platform stop until it got back to Carlisle.
     
  16. stephenlammas89

    stephenlammas89 New Member

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    Well done RTC for still makibg this almost impossible tour. Over 500 miles of steam begind 2 wonderfully powerful locomotives.. Im booked on thiw on. 15 hours without a diseal inaight.. Is alwsys a winner. At least we get a little break at carlisle. Anything can change on day of tour. We could be forced into edinburgh. If a route is closed. Lol.. Surely we aa a forum should be grateful steam is still.on our mainline regardless.of Network rail.
     
  17. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    I wouldnt give up on this trip.

    As Al says the Wandering 1500 turned out good... ok we didnt have a B1 or a Pannier.. but Oliver Cromwell put in a fantastic show, we got to the NNR and the B12 did a stellar job as well.
    The run back from Norwich was a spirited affair.

    Keep the faith, you may find it's a pretty good day out, if it werent family commitments this weekend i'd be soaking up one of those canceled seats.
     
  18. Elendil

    Elendil New Member

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    Is it me or has the return stop at Carlisle increased to 30 mins now?
     
  19. 46245col

    46245col New Member

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    Well spotted, Dumfries stop now omitted.
     
  20. Elendil

    Elendil New Member

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    It is Better (be able to watch the engine changes) now we only need a stop somewhere mid journey where we can get off and look at the engine and stretch our legs.
     

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