RTC 2024

Ta - Having now checked RTT I see it reversed at Stalybridge. AN

 

Photos from 45212 on the Peaks Express yesterday...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54100469979/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54100128221/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54100585945/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54100469804/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54100469549/in/dateposted-public/

 

It seems the Armistice Day special has been rerouted. While no longer offering Hastings-Ashford and Eastbourne, there's now a rare steam run (useful for me in any case) through Crystal Palace in prospect on the return.

 

Total agreement there Al, I wonder if Jeremy Hosking can do a deal with one of the custodians of the few that remain. It could be a possibility, although perhaps unlikely as LSL appear to be assembling a stud of larger engines. A favourite of mine, the 9F has been long banished from the mainline and will never return, but we do have an active Brit and 71000 not far away.

 

I believe he's not after buying any more locos, so it would have to be a deal. Who though is another matter. Two owned by groups, two owned by railways, and one owned by a council. As you say, larger locos are favoured, and is there much need for a 75mph class 5? Generally the same steam legs each year with either the B1 or 45231 is something a bit smaller is required - WHL or Kyle for example.

 

A standard 5 has larger wheels, so would be better suited to any runs South of the Thames, where its becoming harder to path an 60 mph tour in between the timetabled services, Of course if LSL were to approach MHR with a view of overhauling 73096, and some deal could be struck where by she could split her time between main line and preserved line use, they might be interested,

 

That does not seem to fit the current LSL model as far as I can see.

 

Sadly Crystal Palace not to be on Monday, but a sensible return time and there's still a short stretch of required track in deepest Kent:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...1/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

 

Also you can paint them green.
On that subject isnt there a long legged Green 5p due back soon, will there be any work for it ?

 

Yes - I recall being at Hook in the early years of SD, when they operated 73096. It was heading a London-bound run (from Poole, I think) while 4472 was on a down run. It looked as if they might pass each other at Hook but it was not to be, as 73096 was a little late. It hurtled past on the up fast at around 80mph, its larger wheels giving it a good speed edge. I have my video of it somewhere and I hope to have a load of them converted to digital this winter (if I can find them, having just moved house!).

 

I assume the Lincoln trip was down for steam haulage at one point. But is this the first planned RTC diesel tour, or have I just missed it before?
https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-lincoln-christmas-express

 

Was initally steam hauled and advertised as such, I’m assuming it’s now diesel hauled as 44871 is required on the Euston Polar Expresses that day and alas no other avaliable kettles

 

It changed a few days ago, no doubt for the reasons above.

 

Is it possible that RTC are already committed to paying WCRC, and the full whack for steam into the bargain, whether or not WCRC can provide steam? If so that would be a very poor bargain.

Otherwise it's not obvious why they could not reduce the price to reflect the change of traction and give those who have already booked a partial refund, or indeed cancel the trip completely and give a full refund.

 

I suspect that had the Riviera deal not been done, you’re quite correct it would have been cancelled. But….

Now that WCR have the stock, they can provide the train. They could easily turn round and say, we’re providing the train, so we can run. If you cancel, we need the fees agreed. As such it becomes easier for RTC to run with diesel.

And on RTCs own terms “However, if this is not possible and if there is insufficient time available to cancel or postpone the trip, then a diesel may be used as substitute. In such circumstances, outside of our control, acceptance of these terms signifies your acceptance of such a change and no refund will be due.” - What is “Insufficient time”? Theres no clear definition to that. If the paths have been agreed already, if WCR/RTC have signed to hire the stock, then I’d say there’s insufficient time to alter that now, but others would argue insufficient time is a matter of hours.

 

“Insufficient time” is a term lawyers create to then allow the profession to earn a revenue stream arguing the point.

 

When I've been on RTC tours in the past where diesel has replaced steam. I've usually been offered a voucher for a discount on future tours. I suspect the same will happen here (at least for those who booked before the change was publicly advertised).

 

Not a good idea for West Coast to upset one of their best customers. Oh yes, we are talking about David Smith.

Unfortunately, the passengers would initially blame RYTC for the change of motive power as the train rolls into the station<BJ>