Cathex Victoria / Faversham 24th July

Times available on Steram Dreams web site

http://www.steamdreams.com/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

 

So steam comes off at Deal then? What's the reason for that - more gauging woes on the North Kent route? I guess the loco will be turned on the Minster triangle .

 

First dose of steam this year for Kent. Wonder if "they" can sort out some steam for the Fokestone-Dover re-opening?

 

edited

 

Yes gauging issues! Yes 34046 turns at Minster. Beware DL on rear AND one behind 34046 at the front! Don't ask me why, may be the second one is in case the first one fails but it doesn't go to Faversham etc.

 

Are you sure they aren't going to put one in the middle as well just to cover all bases?

Honestly what is the point in these so called "steam tours" ?

I've just booked on the Torbay Express - seems like the only way to get real steam these days

 

had that before, Here is Clan line with two diesels.

 

How crap is the loading gauge when a Bulleid won't fit ?, may as well just ask London Transport if the 1938 stock is available for hire

 

I think you'll find its more for operational purposes, the train reverses at Deal so 34052 goes off to turn while the diesel runs the tran back to Faversham, if the coast line was open they would have the option of returning via Folkstone

 

Up until yesterday (21st July) it did look as if A1SLT had managed to do exactly this, with its Monday 12th December "Christmas Canterbury Tale" traversing the Dover-Folkestone section on the return leg of this outing. Previous pronouncements had suggested a December reopening (which I had assumed would start coincidentally with the winter/ spring timetable on 12th December); but according to yesterday's press release from NR, the work is being completed without resort to some of the contingency allowance that had been factored into the timing plan. Hence what is now being described as a possible "autumn" reopening.

I believe that in previous years some kind of Kent circular has featured in the RTC/ Steam Dreams brochures over the pre-Christmas period, and indeed this year SD are advertising a White Cliffs Circular with Braunton on 22nd December. RTC's attentions in the South, meanwhile, appear to be focused on Sussex destinations over this period. Given the reported minimum of three to four month's lead time to plan and agree a steam outing with NR - with or without diesel assistance - its looks as if, between the Tornado and Braunton trips, we are already witnessing the best that is likely to be achieved with steam to belatedly celebrate the reopening.

 

And in the show pony stakes here at Kemsing It's Braunton by a short nose from 37, followed by the pack of Mk1s and 47 bring up the rear.

 

And judging by the noise the 37 is making is going to overtake braunton any time soon

 

Rumour is that one of the diesels caught fire, currently stuck at Lenham.....

 

I heard it was brake problems at Lenham with the 47

 

Just left Charing, 12.34

 

Through Ashford 1 hour late. Major shovage from the now recovered 47

 

It is rather sad isn't it compared to when they first started out. Superb days out with STEAM and only steam.
They certainly won't be getting any money out of me in the near future. I didn't even bother renewing my SD "membership" this year. So glad I decided not too.

 

What was the reason for the 37 being there as well? Lineside fire risk?