The Steam Ban around York

DBS do still have crew issues. One reason why the Castle is staying at the NYMR is because there are no crews to take it back south.

 

DBS also did the 'Duke' weekend in May 2008, when there were three trips back to back. Saturday was Bristol to Fishguard (fine); Sunday was Bristol to Plymouth (airbrake was faulty, so had a 'Royal' Class 67 providing the brake; also slipped to a stand on Dainton) and Monday was Bristol to Milford Haven (I was on it; Class 67 still attached, a couple of fast sprints and arriving back in Bristol 48 minutes early).

 

I mentioned the sleeper as a knock on effect from the HST issue in the West country. 300 mins late as I understand it.
The RDG-PADD issue was entirely separate.

 

EWS did the RTC Tall ships in July 2008 as well
http://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Railtours-Year-by-Year/20012010/2008/The-Tall-Ships-19-7-08/
Neil

 

Out of interest, here's 71000's trip to Plymouth in 2008:



Another one that doesn't make pretty viewing.

 

I do believe there is a house bearing that very name in Yorkshire. However I agree the thread is drifting into an 'RTC- The EWS Days' tribute. Anyway, veering out of the loop and onto the main, had a quick glance at the SR article a couple of days ago, which seems to suggest that little has been resolved on the matter. Its probably best to do what was said a couple of pages back and let nature run its course with this one.

 

The simple answer is NO. they couldn't cope with SD and RTC run more trains than them and what about the Cornwall trains? they would be a no go with DBS. and there would be a few locos who wouldn't run at all because DBS won't run vacuum brake only.

 

I seem to remember that was the trip when the 67 conked out & they had to put the Windows disc in & reboot to get it going again!

 

No, but they have more than enough to cover the trips some operators cancel

 

Apologies if my point wasn't apparent. I will make myself clearer.

Last year I booked on four specials which were to be crewed by DBS. Of these one ran almost to plan, one was substantially altered & two completely cancelled. These last minute decisions were, according to the tour operators, entirely due to DBS discovering that they were "unable to resource" trains they had contracted to run.

The ticket costs were of course promptly refunded. Hotel & associated travel costs of approx. £300 were not. I am reliably informed by friends of a diesel persuasion that DBS also regularly failed to fulfil their obligations on several non-steam tours.

Perhaps my earlier post should not have attempted to be light-hearted about the problem, but frankly I think that as a railtour participant you increasingly need a sense of humour, or at least considerable forebearance.

Point made?

 

A friend who works for Network Rail confirms the ban HAS been lifted.The non steam part on 25/10 is now 86 259 not D9002

 

No purely down to NR

 

Shame as I was only going for the Deltic!

Don

 

I did say I heard DBS should be able to offer a better service NEXT year. I have no idea what the current situation is. I doubt they will change their policy on running vac-braked stock though.

 

Hmm thats a shame. Am on this and was looking forward to a sprint down the ECML behind a deltic. Not that I would ever put 86259 down as its a lovely looking bit of kit and something a bit different from a West Coast 47/57 that could have been substituted.