THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS 11/6 Paddington-Shrewsbury

It does, that ugly twin tank bogie wagon in a metal frame. Not sure if it has ever been used in "anger" though. I know it has been used on test runs though.

 

Ticket and letter received today by email Extract from letter : -

"This year has continued to throw up challenges regarding locos and this train is no exception. We have been forced to change the rostererd loco no fewer than three times, all due to circumstances outside of our control. We are pleased to announce that the train will now be hauled by an appropriate loco, 6024 Kind Edward 1st, evoking memories of Bulmers restoration of 6000 King George V at Hereford in the 1970s - the first step towards the return of steam to the mainline.

No matter which loco was rostered, Network Rail was finding it impossible to time the train to give our passengers who have chosen to go to Shrewsbury our normal 3 hours at the destination and at the same time fit the whole itinerary into civilised hours (due to engineering work, only two tracks are open between Reading and Paddington on the day). We have therefore made the decision, in consultation with Network Rail and West Coast Rail, our train operator, to run with a vintage diesel from Paddington to Bristol Parkway and return, with the King in charge during the picturesque and challenging section from Bristol through the Severn Tunnel and the climb to Hereford and across to Shrewsbury which is still over 200 miles of steam haulage."

 

I notice that UKSteam has amended the steam section, but still has 60019 as loco.

 

After this weekends turn of events with the King, it could well be 57.601 + 6024 tucked inside + train. <BJ>

 

One must hope Steam Dreams will not allow this to happen. If NR want a diesel attached, the train should be postponed. There is time to do this unlike yesterday especially given the loss of steam between London and Bristol and return already inflicted on the passengers on this trip.

 

As the itinerary was changed at a late stage (the reduction in steam mileage), not to mention the possible diesel pilot, SD should give you the option to cancel. As for your last sentence they are my feelings exactly. Main line steam tours & me are finished.

 

Steam Dreams are quite happy to transfer my booking for this tour to another one but I will have to take a 50% hit on the cost, how very generous of them. How can long standing engineering works trip up a tour just a few days before it is due to run? This is one very unhappy customer that feels SD should be a bit more flexible in this situation.

 

If this trip is now to revert to 4492 [60019] for the steam hauled section as posiibly suggested elsewhere [and personally I currently have no idea whether it is or it isn't] maybe some of the lost steam mileage can be reinstated and in so doing pacify many of the passengers who understandably are annoyed at what has happened. I can understand KE1 being put on at Bristol as it based there but it seems silly to run the A4 from Souhall to Bristol and back light engine when the train is going the same route. Reported engineering works between Paddington and Reading may prevent it being steam hauled in and out of London but surely there is scope to put steam on at Reading or Swindon and the timings would seem to allow this.

 

Hopefully I will be eating a large slice of Humble Pie, Steam Dreams and Network rail will pull something out of the hat and we will see 4492 on the front of the train somewhere much nearer to London than Bristol. I've been told to phone back tomorrow morning for the result of today's meetings.

 

Yes seems strange that SD clearly stated that 6024 was in charge, while UKSteam has maintained 60019 as the loco. I'm booked on it so looking forward to a good day out whatever happens, and praying for some rain! Hope all will become clear soon...

 

From the current issue of the Railway Herald Re: Diesel for Paddington - Bristol

" The reason for the change is down to timing problems, as the trip was origianllY booked for 60163 Tornado, which has a better operating envelope for performance, water consumption and for servicing than other locomotives thst permit much tighter timing as well as being able to manage longer steam hauled itineraries. In this instance without Tornado at the helm it was simply not possible to cover the whole route with steam a,nd get back to Paddington at a reasonable hour."

 

What a strange statement. Not exactly accurate either.

 

Surely Bittern has a similar operating envelope to Tornado and with its second tender a greater range. I don't think that the 1 hour 15 to Reading would push the locos to hard.

 

I notice on UKSteam that the other tours for the weekend have times listed, but this one doesn't. Just an observation; but possibly an indication that details for this tour are still not finalised.

 

Just had a look on UKSteam,

Times now up, subject to confirmation, with Bittern from Bristol to Shrewsbury and return to Bristol, then diesel back to London.

I wish some one would make a decision sharpish so that I can plan for Saturday!

 

At least it looks like it is going ahead. I was beginning to wonder if it was cancelled.

 

I hope not!

There appears to be an awful lot of unhappy bunnies on this thread as it is.

I know that if I was on the tour I too would be pretty miffed at not having the steam haulage as advertised, part of the reason for booking me thinks.

Hopefully the blue streak will depart for Bristol at a reasonable hour on Friday so that I can at least see her!

 

Two steam trains through the Severn Tunnel within five minutes of each other (assuming all goes to the current plans). Who'd have predicted that in August 1968 (end of BR steam) or October 1971 (when 6000 lead the modern "return to steam")?

The Cathedrals Express:
Severn Tunnel Jc 11:28

The Welshman:
Severn Tunnel Jc 11:33

 

Steam Dreams are now saying KE1 is definitely on at Bristol