PMR Tours

You will not see much on Shap in the dark anyway it only goes over Shap southbound.

 

I agree there is an unacceptable clash of three one -off tours on 2 October which must adversely affect the loadings of each train as bookings will be split between the three. 6233 is almost certain to have a box on the back as most PMR tours do because 6233 cannot steam heat the train. Cromwell goes over Beattock the previous day en-route to Glasgow [and then Stranraer the following day] and that train is most unlikely to have a box on the back. The run back over Shap with 6233 will be in the dark. Why PMR didn't run steam hauled Carnforth - Stirling - Carlisle then most of the steam section could have been completed in daylight is a mystery. 5690 Bridgnorth- Blackpool trip is steam one way only so for me it has to be Stranraer. However everyone to their own choice.

 

In reply to Frank, in all honesty, it depends on how crowded the roads are on that day with photographers and general road users, but I've been in the car before going between Stranraer and Beattock, and it only took an hour and a half....so could maybe suspect it being 2 1/2 hours from Beattock to Girvan with some traffic? Google maps agree that, as a straight forward run, 1hr 56mins Beattock village to Girvan so 2 1/2 hours sounds right.
And, there is only really one path the steam trip can use to Stranraer, the same that 45407 and 44871 used in April. That means a departure time from Girvan of about 20 to 2. Now, giving you'd want to get to Girvan, be up in a field for a photo ( possibly similar to where I was in April? ), you'd then what half an hour in advance. So, at tops you may need three hours. That gives you, if 6233 climbs Beattock between 10am > 11am, it's possible....especially as the steam comes on at Carlisle, it means there is no need for a Lockerbie water stop.

So I'd say it's possible, but as long as you don't hang about and waste time

 

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I'm up for the Stirling Trip, although I'll leave it for about a month before booking (I need to recharge my bank account after my steam binge last weekend), as there seems to be plenty of choice that weekend to go round with the other two trips.

 

Ok, Stirling's a go-go. I take it that you're on it Ralph? I'll have to bring a few bottles of beer with me, as I believe I owe either you, Matt or Neil one from the 'Doric Olympian'. This trip is shaping up to be the highlight of my year on the rails behind steam...