6201 on the S&C 26th March 2011

Oh Yes - fire risk alright! We have had a steady anti cyclonic system over us all week and the dead winter vegetation would go with only a spark. I have seen heather fires above Woodhead already this week.

 

You've missed the most obvious one: failure.

 

The reality Ralph is that a steam engine failing, say south of Crewe, without any assistance in the locality, would cost the TOC quite a bit of money.

 

If the failure of this wonderful locomotive was really considered by those at Network Rail as a possibility or even a probability, then we would not be discussing what circumstances would deem the Class 47 necessary in the consist but it would be DEFINITELY tagged on the back and if that is the case, it is a great pity. As Ralph W said, that is a poor reflection on those who have put in so much hard work, not to mention the reaction of the fare paying passengers on the day!

 

Who says it's Network Rail that demand the diesel to be put on the back/front?

 

Heres hoping to the old girl carrys on where she left off .....in fine form, I think 2010 was one of the best for lizzie for a long time in terms of performance and reliability.......Lets not forget its Her last 12 months of Mainline running, so enjoy it while we can !!!

 

I used that as an example Ralph - I thought maybe that was obvious.

Agreed, plenty of trains run without a diesel on the back but it must offer the TOC a degree of comfort knowing that they have assistance already on-hand if problems occur - which they do. Even a stop in section can run into hundred of minutes very very quickly. I've seen the smallest delay knock-on into hours worth of minutes.

 

....well said that man. Diesel or not, the weathers set fair, the bars well stocked, Neils pies will be grand and the "crack" will be great........Matt

 

Good job you reminded me Matt, beef skirt will be purchased around 8am tomorrow for a slow cook before being "pastried"... :hungry:

I had the experience of the wonderful and wacky world of train ticket prices this evening :der:

I was going to be dropped off at Warrington and on the return make my way back to Atherton. I was after checking the extra fare for the return bit from Warrington to Atherton. Warrington-Crewe return is £19 yes, £19 So checked the Atherton-Crewe return price, £13.40. How can it be £5.60 cheaper to travel approx 35 miles further round trip? I will be catching the same train from Wigan that stops at Warrington both ways.

Any explanations anyone? Thanks, Neil.

 

Neil, there's only one person in the universe who can understand the UK rail ticketing system. Sadly we only get to meet him once we have no further use for a train.
We can only hope that one day he'll send that son of his to explain it all to us mere mortals!!
Humour button on keyboard pressed.

Hope you all have a great day tomorrow.

 

Reference Network Rail deciding on whether a diesel should be attached, I thought that they had the final say but maybe I a wrong. I know in hot weather with fire risk, they do have a major input.

If your argument about the potential delays to regular services and the how major delays can accrue had any merit, and they have some, not one steam tour in the UK would run without diesel assistance. That is crazy.

Let us give steam traction some credit for goodness sake. You can count on one hand (maybe two), the number of steam failures in any calendar year.

Are you telling me that the wonderful Bristolian trip - both ways - last year, may have had a diesel on the back because the delays on the very busy ex GWR route between Paddington and Bristol would have been unacceptable if 5043 had failed.

Yee of such little faith!

 

I presume the steed for tomorrow has arrived at Crewe by now. Just watched the news, looks like it might be a bit dull and cloudy for the trip.

 

Certainly last year when 60019 set fire to the ECML in May, NR control requested that a diesel either pilot the engine or replace it entirely on the return trip south from Edinburgh. I can't remember what happened but I do remember reading the control logs regarding what was happening with it.

As I said previously, I think it must give the operators some relief to know that they can rescue their train if needed. Ask yourself why the GB3 was shadowed by a 47 last year. I'm sure as well as helping out with shunting moves it offered WCRC an alternative should anything have happened. I don't think they ran a 47 across the country to give the diesel drivers a holiday!

 

For those interested a short video of Lizzie drifting down Madeley Bank on the approach to Crewe in readiness for tomorrow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmfB2WTsdTk

Chris

 

Thank goodness back on subject looks superb thanks for the video can't wait for tomorrow......

 

Of course if the diesel is on the back but shut down then the steam loco only gets to prove itself even more! I was just wondering as 10/11 with no diesel may give a slightly speedier ascent...... (if the fireman's eaten his Weetabix) :madgrin:

Also the early start is made worse by the fact that we have to crawl around through Bescot to get to Wolverhampton. We did this last year too. Why do we have to do it?