29th July Cathedrals Express to Canterbury

One I'd like to go on as it should be a box free area, but looks like no Standard Class left now. And maybe not much else. But motive power is very important to me, so I've just got to wait and see what eventually gets the job. Then see what SD can offer. Or just end up on the lineside.

So, not really speculation time, (Bryan, stop lying!), but of the remaining active steam fleet that could be down in the SE, anyone know which loco is actually able to handle the route? Presumably not 30777 unless the train ends back in Waterloo?

 

The only possibility I can think of is 44932 if available otherwise at the moment it's 30777.

Mike M.(70c)

 

I see 44932 is now doing the Canterbury run.

Could it be covering some of the Weymouth & Swanage tours?


Mike M. (70c)

 

A couple of weeks ago, a friend with good connections at a couple of tour operators said that 44932 would be coming south to cover for Tangmere during the summer. Provided 60019's injector problems can be fixed, that will give Southall a "pool" of three locos that should be able to cover the Dorset Coast Express and Cathedrals Express duties.

 

Well I'm very glad that train has a steam loco for it now. But having just had a Black 5 around Kent, (lovely loco, very nice run as well), I won't be trying to get late booking on this one.

 

I did hear something simular with the Wessex support crew taking care of things until Tangmere returns.

Mike M. (70c)