RTC 2020

I am speculating, but if it does run I don't think it would be a diesel unless there was good reason. The current working arrangement appears to be one full set of maroon mk1's being used for RTC and WCRC charters (so far Dalesman, Scarboroguh SPA & CME). Perhaps this same set of stock would be used for the Duchy and a locomotive such as 46115 or 35018 will go with it from Carnforth?

 

Friends on the Devonian Express last week were told that 6233 is coming under the umbrella of LSL for a number of years from September. Have no idea whether 6233 is even fit to run after whatever was able to be completed of winter maintenance. Anyone know anything definitive? Wonder if LSL will allow 46100 or 34046 to be hired in for the train? Both did Duchys in recent years, Braunton most recently on 16th September 2018.

 

Hopefully 6233 will still haul the York Christmas Market tours, it'll be the first time I've seen it for a number of years if it does

 

And here are the timings for the 6th September (On which I've booked Premier Dining)

Out
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55089/2020-09-06/detailed

Return
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55092/2020-09-06/detailed

 

Just had an email about the Duchy. No Duchess. 44871 to substitute; steam Bristol-Plymouth and return only. Green fire from Plymouth. Should be interesting.

 

Definitely - it's what's putting me off doing any tours right now. I don't mind wearing a mask for a quick trip round the supermarket but not for 5 or 6 hours at a time on a train. According to Steam Dreams this is a deal breaker for most and they have given up running any tours now until the Christmas season. I don't know what that difference it will make as I expect the mask regulations will be in place then as well. However remember Boris said we will be back to normal by Christmas

 

For what it's worth, I did a trip last weekend where I had to wear a mask continuously for a long period. It wasn't ideal, but nor was it anything too much to worry about; my biggest issue was itching because I'd not shaved that morning!

 

I thought I understood "railway speak" quite well but obviously not! What on earth is "green fire"?

 

A "green" fire which hasn't burnt through fully and is comparatively cold. Normally before the loco has started working hard.

Cheers, Neil

 

It’s when you throw a pieces of copper on it! Magnesium ribbons more interesting though!

 

Ah - I get it now. I completely misunderstood Mr Shireman's post. I thought he was saying that it was steam to Plymouth and some form of traction called "green fire" after that!!!! What he was saying was that it will be a cold fire attacking Hemerdon on the way back I guess. What was I thinking? Must be the effect of lockdown and lack of steam this year!

 

45562 at Gargrave, 23/08/20

 

By the way, does anyone have any sample premier dining menus? The links on the website are broken (although I've contacted them about it).

 

Nearly 20+ minutes late approx at the langwathby water stop on the waverley.
Davo 56F

 

Under the radar all the way from Hellifield to Petteril Bridge on RTT.

 

Strange because Open Train Times was working OK. Anyway 4L at Carlisle which if that was a Jubilee plus 12 is not bad going.

 

I have been weighing up whether to dip my toes back into the main line steam market and am particularly interested in "The Waverley" on 6th September. My family and I are still being pretty cautious in our approach to going out. I have read the Covid policy statements etc on the RTC web site but am interested in any feedback anyone is able to give who is travelling today (23rd August) on their experience of how things pan out in practice.

For example:
How well is social distancing practised both in terms of the seating arrangements and boarding / alighting? In particular, how are solo travellers accommodated?
To what extent are people complying with the rules on face coverings (i.e. wearing them as opposed to just dangling round the chin)? I appreciate that some people will have medical exemptions but a rough idea of the sort of proportion properly wearing masks would be of interest.
General impression as to the degree of regular sanitation of surfaces and touch points.
Can windows be kept open to assist with ventilation (nothing to do with wanting to listen to a Jubilee on the Long Drag, naturally...)

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I hope everyone on board has a good trip.

 

Strange also that there is 15-20 minutes difference between RTT and OTT in the booked times beyond Hellifield. So according to RTT it was 18L at Carlisle!

 

Stanier 45562 in full cry through a wet Garsdale .

 

Apparently, timings were changed by +20 minutes in last 24 hours. A pretty challenging climb up the Long Drag, but it got us there, and a good run down the other side. Decided to take the plunge as it was starting locally, and starting to get fed up with the flat. It's also been six months since the Cotton Mills Express.

Wooden screens have been erected between bays in my carriage, and there are hand sanitiser dispensers in the vestibules. There was the occasional wiping of sliding door handles. As a solo traveller, I have a bay to myself. Passengers expected to stay in seating unless going to the toilet.

Boarding and alighting is to use common sense and maintain distance. Also await instructions from stewards. Masks/visors are worn by stewards and catering staff. Buffet is via trolley service, but think its cash only. Masks to be worn by passengers at all times except when eating /drinking.