Cathedrals Express to Salisbury and Sherborne

Timings now on Steam Dreams website see : -http://www.steamdreams.co.uk/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

London Vic leaves 7:45 returns 23:55 Steam there and back.

Note : " For those passengers who have booked to join the train at Haywards Heath, Network Rail has been unable to include a stop here in either direction. We plan to escort passengers on a service train from Haywards Heath to Preston Park where we have a water stop. The service train will depart Haywards Heath at 0858 hrs Platform 2 and arrive in good time to join our train. On the return journey we will escort you again from Preston Park back to Haywards Heath on the 2206 hrs Platform 2 service train (timings above). You will notice from the above table that there is another stop at Three Bridges in both directions if you wish to join our train there instead you may do so at your own cost. "

 

Blimey, that's a very long day.

 

And an even longer one for the support crews. I am only doing Three Bridges to Salisbury.
I think it was originally based on using Tornado so probably would have required one less water stop.The outline times were 7:45/22:45.

 

Agreed that has to one of the most bizarre railtours I have seen,you have to wonder if there are going to be enough people to fill it who can put up with those times,and what about the poor stewards,buffet crew etc

 

Anyone out for this one? Weather absolutely awful here in Gloucestershire and the Met Office doesn't offer much hope of improvement, so I'm staying at home.

I hope those on board don't get too drowned. Sherborne is a lovely old town, but it's hardly going to be at its best in today's wet and windy conditions.

Last year's run was a different story weather-wise. (See below)

 

Hi John

Yes raining here as well, 35mm since yesterday evening. We are going to Fareham by train to get a shot there and then by Worst GW to Salisbury to catch the Cathedrals to Yeovil, all being well flooding fallen trees and other impediments permitting.

Good to meet you at Battledown the other day. Presumably gates being installed there to prevent parking so that lane is going to get a bit congested.

Going to make a big effort now to write my book on the last frantic few years of Southern steam with the aim of getting it finished within a year.

Don

 

God to meet you too, Don. I'll look forward to your book on the last years of Southern Steam. I hope you enjoy your trip from Salisbury to Yeovil this afternoon. The LSWR West of England Main line has always been one of my favourite routes, but I have to confess, I haven't been further west than Wilton Junction since 1986. Must rectify this at some stage!

 

Unfortunately the weather here at Salisbury is no better. The rain and wind has eased but it is still very gloomy. Currently no flooding or fallen trees so hopefully all will be well.

 

I'm pondering popping down to Eastleigh, but very gloomy all around. FYI the RT link on UKS isn't working, so here's the RT link: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54716/2013/12/16/advanced - running rather late now!

 

Seems to be relatively easily timed - over 20 minutes down at Ford when I saw it to right time at Porchester. Dull and dismal weather in Sussex so hope it cheers up later for those along the line.

 

Was delayed by late running Southern services on BTN main line but 25 late Hove converted to right time Fareham where we took a shot. Then caught Worst Late Western to Sals where we foted the steam arriving 13 late. Caught it to Yeovil. Did ok as 8 late Sals and R/T Yeovil though did not stop at Gillingham. Spent a pleasant hour in the rain watching the locos turn. It was good to meet Pete Roberts again. He drove 44871 and returned home to Kent on the cushions

Don

 

Photos from Haywards Heath and Shoreham start here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/11421004084/in/set-72157632730267157

and a video including the return at Balcombe and Salfords as well...

 

Heres a couple of shots at Sherborne...nice to be able to go home and dry out between shots!!!!

 

A photo taken at Salisbury - http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p327573475/h1143ff49#h1143ff49