55022 (or whatever it's running as this week)

The web site seems to have died somewhat, it's not had any news for a long time now. Does anybody know what the current state of play is with this very fine MAINLINE REGISTERED locomotive? Is it still bumbling around Glasgow? I know it was on long term hire and that hire helped to pay the bills, just seems such a waste for such a mighty machine. There was a rumour at one time re a cooling problem on one of the engines....was it fact or just a rumour.
I've no knowledge of the railtour business but I'd love to see 22 hard at work on a good long railtour.

 

You and me both Victor.

 

http://royalscotsgrey.com/0/2015/09/14/6301/

The website is working fine. May be some overnight passenger work in February and a tour in September 2016 but you'll have to go north to see it.

 

With three out of the six 'very fine' preserved Deltics MAINLINE REGISTERED (OP's caps), I think the DPS, NRM and Mr Walker have all found that charter/tour work is in less demand than they thought it would be.

According to the DPS web site, No.9 did four tours in 2015, so there has been Deltic haulage if you've wanted it. The more Deltic tours that enthusiasts support, the more will run.

In 22's case, it has had a nice line in regular 'proper' work, so why wouldn't Martin be more than happy to fulfil that contract with his loco? It no doubt brings in considerably more income to maintain this expensive machine than the odd railtour. Far from 'a waste', I'd call it 'essential'!

None of the above is rocket science...!

 

Hardly any of the tours have tapped the London market and there's a lot of us down here that would love a few Deltic trips.

 

Most 9009 tours in 2015 served London-in fact all but the Kingswear trip.
As these were the only 2015 deltic rail tours you had 3/4 on them on your doorstep-and you want a greater percentage tell Mr Farrow you like blue diesels then!

 

deleted

 

Yes, but that was posted 14th SEPTEMBER, about 9 weeks ago. I know Martin Walker has a nice little contract that helps to pay the bills, i wasn't implying that he should ditch it and do some railtours, all I asked for was a bit of up to date news and I expressed a personal wish to see a bit more Deltic action.
Deltics covering WCRC work during the latest trouble?? yes, yes, yes,......BUT.....it was suggested last time WC had a problem and the suggestion went down like a lead balloon.

 

Also remember Martin Walkers difference of opinion with ELR hierarchy, on which I wont comment, however enough of the saga is viewable on line to make up your own conclusions.

If he can get regular work for it, it is under cover, and subjected to a improvement and maintenance culture, which reading recently, seems to be the case, then why not??

Also a while ago, mention was made of a leaking liner, that was precluding twin engine mainline work, don't know if this is now fixed.

 

So which of the three main line certified deltics should WCRC use?
55002 at Shildon undergoing bodywork repairs and repaint on one PU,55009 at Derby undergoing repaint with two PUs or 55007 aka 55022 at Glasgow with one and oneish PU on hire to Gbrf most weekends on long term contract?

Then it appears only really 46233 has not been approved by ORR(not looked since last night if that's changed) to require covering before Christmas. Would the hire and movement costs of 550xx be covered by in increase in revenue compared to the marginal cost of WC using 47xxx if 46233 isn't available?
I would like to think yes, but how many times would you be booking a tour from London to Lincoln, York etc. in December?

I cannot ,unfortunately see 550xx vice 47773 vice 5043 on the Tyseley-York.

D1015 is fit and healthy.....

 

Looks as though 55022 will be looking for work in the new year.
http://royalscotsgrey.com/0/2015/12/01/55022-work-for-11th-december-and-looking-ahead/