LE Movements, ECS and Test Runs 2020

I think it's the standard WTT path, but it's listed as VAR because it's a bank holiday, so I doubt anything will actually run.

 

The path has been activated, which suggests there is the intention for something to run.

Compare to this path from Carnforth Steamtown. It's a standard WTT path, listed as VAR, and has not been activated :

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/L14933/2020-05-25/detailed

 

It now says cancelled or, to avoid attention from the pedant police, cancel.

 

Just a thought, if the Pandemic wasnt affecting our hobby, then I'm pretty sure that the current heatwave would have brought about a steam ban due to fire risk

 

Agreed, in the last couple of hours a fire that has been blazing for 24 hours and less than a mile away on Darwen moor has been brought under control. Two helicopters have been flying nonstop shuttles with water. Thought to have been started by a discarded barbecue (perhaps those involved were using their 3 brain cells to maintain social distancing).

 

The fire on Darwen moor continues to smoulder and yesterday (Monday) a helicopter returned to drop water. It continued until mid-afternoon when it had to be grounded because some idiot(s) were flying drones in the area. These were members of the "Great British Public" who our PM reckons will exercise common sense and heed the advice to get us out of this crisis - I despair!

 

Been tipped 34046 is on the VAR paths today and tomorrow.

Wednesday
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...7/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LS

Thursday
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...8/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=LS

 

34046 Braunton and support coach completed two out and back runs to Chester. <BJ>

 

Not my footage.

 

Out of interest is the Thursday run/runs loaded or engine and van as today ?

 

Todays timings given below to make it easier to follow.

09:00 Crewe to Chester https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C25823/2020-06-18/detailed
11:10 Chester to Crewe https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C25869/2020-06-18/detailed
13:30 Crewe to Chester https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C25825/2020-06-18/detailed
15:00 Chester to Crewe https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C23542/2020-06-18/detailed

Loco and support coach departed from Crewe at 09:54. <BJ>

 

Will these runs be followed up with a loaded test run via Chester and Shrewsbury ?

Bob.

 

That depends on what LSL have done to 34046 recently and what needs testing. A loaded test isn't necessarily needed after intermediate maintenance.

 

Are these test runs for Class 701 Aventra EMU?
2316 Eastleigh Works Gbrf to Wareham https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R02681/2020-06-19/detailed
0512 Worgret Junction to Eastleigh Works Gbrf https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R00596/2020-06-20/detailed
If so let's hope they are more successful than the abortive trials last weekend.

 

Why? - what went wrong last weekend? I thought it had run as planned.

Peter

 

I believe one of the class 66s remained connected to the 701 at all times. The lights were on but after repeated attempts the Bombardier engineers were unable to get it running using 3rd rail power. Hence the re-scheduled 6Z70 back to Eastleigh.