RTC 2014

You OD'd on that winter Pimms Ben?

 

I suspect things might have changed( his Fives having hauled 7 Cathedrals Expresses since the 30th November)and any 2 of the other 4 fives ( forgot 45231) will haul the Tin Bath next year. Depending on where they haul the train to on Day 8 which is Fort William to Durham one will probably head back to Fort William.

 

Well there was in incident over the weekend that started with the Winter Pimm's and ended with me warbling into a karaoke mic at 2am....

 

Yes I think a strong new alliance with the Cath Ex has been formed. Also think 45212 is a certainty for the Jacobite as soon as it's ready.

 

Hmm.. I hope that they haven't been plagiarising some works of new years fiction I am currently writing

 

IR informed elsewhere 44871 won't be available for January CME with 45407.

 

Would guess the busy December has eaten into the annual maintenance plans for 44871.
Might be a call for 44932 or 45305. Perhaps even 61264 if it passes the loaded test earlier in January. Does the date clash with ELR event though ruling the B1 out anyway?

 

No it clashes with the GC Gala, so might rule out 45305 since the members of the 5305 loco association might be busy with 70013 and 30777( is the later in working order?), although I think they have all operated on the same day before?

 

You won't be able to call on 45231. It's on the Bluebell at the moment (had a run behind it today) and with the line being shut south of Horsted Keynes for three weeks in January, it won;t be going anywhere in a hurry for a while.

 

Sounds like the options may be quite limited for either another loco with 45407 or a single headed train with a class 7 or 8.
Would be good to see a B1 (or pair!!) on this.

 

44932 not an option then ?, would have placed it as favourite, 2nd place would be 45699 , 3rd place 46115.. rank outsider.. 35018 …yeah !

 

As was suggested at post #87 ...........
Certainly one of the 10A fleet which are in the pool for the trains immediately proceeding after the 25th would be most likely.
Three probable options and a couple of outsiders to keep folks guessing.

 

Hope RTC run another Jolly Fisherman this year, last year's was excellent.

 

Just read on twitter on serious engineering work on the WCML ( Jan CME !!!)
although if its Sat mid day onwards hopefully we may be ok ?

 

Hope it's another Black 5. The January trip has been a good one for double-headed Black 5s in the last few years.

 

Agree with that, two black fives always a treat though we had more than usual in 2013.
It would be an equal pleasure to see 61264 over the fells though. Pure speculation on my part by the way, have heard no rumour or hints to that effect. Most likely to be 2 stanier fives.

 

I think that the B1 is a real possibility being that it shall be in Bury along w/45407. One light engine move to get the locomotives positioned for the 25th.

 

Small matter of it gaining all network certification first but would make sense as a direct swap for 44871, unless B1 has prior ELR commitments on 25th.

 

Not sure of the exact rules but think that route is part of a limited licence granted to nymr with exemptions from requirements for operation nationally. The fact that a loaded test run is scheduled for the loco suggests further approval is required.