RTC 2021

Completely missed that, thanks for pointing it out

 

Northbound from Telford. looks like steam Carnforth-Shap-Carlisle.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54767/2021-07-24/detailed

 

46115 came through Edge Hill in pretty spectacular fashion, a few minutes late. No assistance from the rear either.

James

 

Chapel Lane, Hoghton (where else at 08.15 on a Saturday morning?!). A cloudless blue sky, not a breath of wind and feeling warmer than the 19C displayed on the dashboard of the car.

The train left Lostock Hall Jn 7E after stopping on the chord to detach the tail gunner. Soon the sound of a Stanier hooter then the unique sound of SG's exhaust; on beat but not as pure as 46100's. 46115 was working hard, a slight blow from a cylinder drain cock, but almost drowned out by the ever louder exhaust. She emerged from the trees and under the occupation bridge, the exhaust barely visible in the warm humid air, a blast on the hooter for the crossing, looked like Mr Kelly at the controls, then she passed beneath the bridge and on to the last few yards to the summit. Still running 7E with the speed towards the summit around 27/8 mph.

When I arrived home (08.50) the temperature had climbed to 22C, with 26C forecast for later. Conditions for passengers could become a little unpleasant but on the footplate it is going to be grim; plenty of water and don't run too hard! (I returned home with my phone - there's a novelty!!)

 

Lineside stack-talk yesterday has it that it is the one from 31.07.21 pulled forward one week.
No sure what up with Railway Herald Railtours, can't access their site from any of my internet access points this morning.

 

I've just got on, no problem.

Edit: And now it's gone off!!

 

RH has become very sporadic in availability and updates.

 

Email just dropped into my inbox regarding my booking for Dorset Coast Express, essentially because we are a party of 3 they are now allowed to seat a complete stranger at our table due to the abandonment of social distancing laws in England. They also state masks are only optional.
I must admit I am very uncomfortable with this as this was not the position when I made the booking. They also only recommend an LFT test prior to joining.
Essentially a complete stranger could join us, unmasked with no clue if they are positive or not, at a point when cases are through the roof.
I know this is directly linked to Johnsons bonfire of regulations, but I had hoped RTC would honour the conditions under which bookings were made. The English approach only even starts to make sense if people have a chance to make a common sense and informed decision, I feel this choice has been removed.
Other operators appear to be doing things differently, Saphos and Vintage Trains are maintaining bubbles while others are removing social distancing on new trips only.
To have this forced on us less than a fortnight before travel does not feel good and puts us all in a very awkward position, especially with accommodation and travel organised. I must admit I expected better from RTC.

 

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/0...ive-to-pass-through-durham-this-saturday.html

Isn't this kind of publicity (with timings) frowned upon for Scotsman?

 

RTC seem to have no idea what they are doing. They have just changed the rules for tomorrow’s trip to Minehead.

 

I am booked on Vintage Trains Leicester circular trip, single travellers had the option to travel at a table together, all other bookings are in bubbles of 2 or 4. That seems sensible and gives everyone choice. It is the lack of choice that really annoys me here.
I will be contacting RTC to complain, but would be interested in others' thoughts though. Throughout the pandemic I have made choices as to how much risk I was willing to take, I don't feel I have that option here.
I must admit the tone and formal nature of the email was also surprising, essentially these are the new rules, tough.

 

I'd say that is outrageous. You buy something and they substitute something worse with no consultation or explanation other that that the imposition of a stranger is not in itself illegal. It is contrary to guidance.

 

Timings for DCE 5/8/21 see post 43 https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/bahamas-2021-railtours.1419529/page-3

 

Totally understand where the blame lies and the whole approach of the government is to pass on responsibility to public and businesses - however, it would appear other operators are taking a different more gradual path (allowing customer choice), whereas RTC seem determined to steam roller through. It seems to be at odds to their customer first strategy that had been winning praise up until now.
With 31806 now confirmed I really want to do this trip, but my head and heart are seriously conflicted.

 

Book a £70 child ticket to reserve the fourth spot? Just over £20 each when split 3 ways.

 

Rail Advert has always been a pain and often inaccurate

 

Its called living with the virus, you either trust the Vaccine to protect you or you don't ! No real surprise that RTC are looking to get back to pre covid travel ASAP, they are part of the hospitality sector and have been thrown under a bus in the Pandemic and also reliant on WCR, so one more day operating with restrictions is one more day they're closer to the brink of collapse. Saphos have deep pockets so they can afford to take the hit, while VT have good reserves and charitable members so they can get away with reduced numbers.

 

According to companies house Warren Travel Limited ( which is the company name of RTC) have a charge listed since December 2020, which is security for a loan.

The A1ST cancelled one trip when the easing of lockdown was delayed since they would have incurred a substantial loss if they had run it, and UKR postponed the Margate trip because it would not be viable due to the number of single travellers