The Xmas Cheshireman - 22-11-14 with 45407 & 44871

A pretty daft tour name, as it's hardly in December. Hopefully they will leave the diesel at home, but with the stop at Abergavenny, I think not.

 

With 4464 on the Cathedrals Express visiting Chester the same day I wonder if this tour will run through to Crewe as happened last year?

 

Just remember that when Tangmere departs from Bristol it immediately heads into the steep climb of Horfield bank. The final two miles between Stapleton Road and Filton Abbey Wood are at 1 in 75. The incline caused Tangmere to come to grief on a previous occasion when the rail was dry. For filming purposes or travelling behind, I do not like diesels at the back of steam charters but on this occasion it may be wise. <BJ>

 

Times are on RTT
Sort of answers sunstream's question..

1Z92 0731 Bristol Temple Meads to Crewe
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53343/2014/11/22/advanced

1Z93 1554 Crewe to Bristol Temple Meads
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53345/2014/11/22/advanced

 

Hopefully, Mr. R. Churchill, will be on the regulator, so that will limit any potential risk ! I remember at Wilmcote in April, when he took Bruanton up the bank out of Stratford, and it was pissing it down, with 11 on the hook ! Not a single slip.

 

These LE moves at Temple Meads:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53342/2014/11/22/advanced

and

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53346/2014/11/22/advanced

would suggest to me that the current plan is leave the diesel behind at Bristol,but I guess is could very easily change nearer the time,particularly if the current "skidpan" conditions on some lines are still a problem.

 

There was a 37 on the back last year when 70013 hauled it, however that may have had something to do with it leaving Bristol over an hour late...

 

That looks like the diesel running round to go on the front as a pilot!

 

Alternatively, stop loading Tangmere to it's limit when it has more form than most in the stalling stakes.

 

Perhaps you could suggest that to RTC. <BJ>

 

I don't think so.

Let's hope that the RTT timings are correct. If the diesel loco transfers to platform 2 at Bristol TM, as the timings suggest, it will not be on the railtour. Platform 2, or the Fish Dock platform, is not used for public trains. It also faces west!! <BJ>
Bristol Temple Meads [BRI] 4 07:16UR
Bristol West Jn. 07:19 - 07:23
Bristol Temple Meads [BRI] 2 07:28

 

I believe that was due to driver error, rather than load .

 

Did RTC specifically request Tangmere though or is it just the motive power that WCRC have provided ?, I just don't think 34067 is the best weapon of choice for a heavy train on a route with some challenging grades in November.

 

There probably isn't much else available as Bittern and the Dutchess is already working that weekend, unless WC sends something else down from Carnforth

 

If available Tangmere will be fine.

 

Nr. 9 could come South early.Due to hauled KX to Lincoln the following weekend.

 

A very wet rail is better than a dry rail ,there is less friction between rail and wheel. Any one ,like myself, who has done a lot of fly shunting with a number of wagons will confirm this .

 

not sure if No.9 would be any better substitute for Tangmere if it is wet, remember she was on a train to the WSR from the Midlands earlier this year, it was a dreadful day pouring with rain all day, Ray Churchill was driving and he had a few problems with her slipping, I won't mention his choice words! she even slipped leaving Taunton station, he will be on the 22nd trip not sure if he will be doing the outward or return part, the trip is too long for him to do the whole thing. but Tangmere does seem to put on her best performances with Ray even in the wet weather!