Stanier 8F to Plymouth July 2nd

Why do you think the train-splitting has been left out? Do you have some information that's not in the public domain yet? UKsteam.info says:

The revised trip hasn't appeared on the SD website yet.

 

Dear Passenger

It is with great regret I write to advise you that our train to Minehead, Exeter and Plymouth has been postponed to 29th October 2011.

The decision to make this change has not been taken lightly and is caused by a number of factors which have conspired to make the train somewhat different if we were to run it on July 2nd. It would have meant diesel haulage for over 135 miles (between London and Taunton) and also a departure from London at 0650hrs and a return at 2300hrs.

By redating the train we move into a different national rail timetable period which enables a better path from London Paddington and therefore a slightly shorter day. To speed up the day the connection to the West Somerset Railway will by road coach from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard before the onward journey to Minehead will continue steam-hauled. Timings for the necessary shunting at Taunton to run a portion to the West Somerset Railway showed that whilst perfectly possible it would have taken around 45 minutes in each direction, adding an hour and a half to the day.

Our train to Plymouth will be steam hauled all the way from London.

We are very sorry to have to move the date but hope that you will be able to join us for this exciting tour to Devon in its revised format. If we have not received any communication indicating otherwise by the 2nd August we will assume that you wish to join us on the revised date.

Yours faithfully
Graeme Bunker
Chief Executive

 

Thanks. Yes, that's very clear. A shame, but on balance that extra 90 minutes is not worth it. It does sound as though NR don't want the hassle and so quoted a plan and/or price that was unattractive to the customer.

 

Can someone wise to the ways of Network Rail explain why it would take 45 minutes to split the train at Taunton?

 

Tell me about it, disconnect one vac pipe & release a buckeye coupling. I doubt if any heating connections are in use this time of year. Every day task in my trainspotting days. How many 1st generation DMU units did I see split & joined in those days? I wouldn't mind a £1 for each one. Like someone said elsewhere, what about the "ACE"?

 

It is a bit more than just splitting trains. After splitting and completing a brake test, the leading portion has to proceed to Norton Fitzwarren where it will have to wait for a gap in traffic to cross both down and up main lines to the WSR. After it has cleared the station area, the second loco can set back onto the rear portion, and then depart after a brake test, but it will need to keep clear of the lead portion, and also wait for a gap on the down main. Perhaps 20 minutes minimum overall, but it could be much longer depending on other traffic in the area. The operation of joining the two trains on return is more complicated and would inevitably take longer.

David

 

Maybe a different idea is changing from one steam hauled train to another waiting at Taunton, maybe too late for this trip, but an idea for the future..(for the promoter I guess it gives two bites at the cherry by offering two tours on one day.)

When was the last time you "caught a connecting" train, where both were Steam and on the mainline in the UK?

 

Sunday 19 September 2010 at Liskeard, from The Cornishman to the Looe Valley Explorer and vice versa.

David

 

assuming the carriages have passed their brake test at fitness to run, they shouldn't need any further continuity testing until the reforming in the evening. I'm sure modern rules don't require additional tests if splitting or running round, as it's all based around disk brakes and air systems where a release test isn't visually possible.

Assuming a suitably qualified shunter is on board, and the stock is in good order, splitting drawing forward and pulling out the buffers / dropping the buckeye shouldn't tkae that long!

Think I'll be asking for refund, trip to Plymouth at the arse end of October isn't my idea of fun! Fortunately my friends travelling with me have only lost out on the train fares they bought months ago

 

I don't know about that, but the Green Train is vacuum barked, as is the 8F, and I'm pretty certain that brake tests are required are required when reforming the train in any way.

 

Uk Steam now showing 60019 + TBA for the Taunton - Plymouth & Return.

The RTC trip the week before is now " The Devonian " instead of " The Dartmouth Express , but still hauled by 4936 + 5029. Starts from Poole, Steam Westbury - Plymouth & return.

 

Now that sounds like an attractive prospect - two GWR locos over the Devon banks. May give that one a go!

 

This has now changed as 4492 (60019) has been confirmed as replacement loco for 60007 at the MHR Autumn Steam Gala: http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Latest/View/639

Don't know whats taking her place on the CE to Plymouth.

 

Just had an email from Steam Dreams

Tour postponed to 10th March but now KE1 from Paddington to Taunton then double headed with KE2 over the Banks, perfect but who chose the same day as Vintage Trains Double header over Shap?

 

Yet again we have two "must do's" on the same day, surley this far in advance it is possible to move it by a week so people have the chance to do both?

 

I know it is a long way off, but if this does become true, and I for one will be on this for sure if true. What better way to send off 6024 from the mainline, and what better way to see my investment over the years to 6023, then on this testing route.

 

Well if this comes off, congrats to Steam Dreams for the mainline steam event of the century!