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The Cheshireman: RTC - 19/03/22

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Britfoamer, Mar 14, 2022.

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  1. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    Times from RTT:



    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64119/2022-03-19/detailed
    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U64120/2022-03-19/detailed
     
    Britfoamer, Mar 14, 2022
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  2. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    RTC I believe have announced that 6233 is not available due to support crew shortage
     
    Sidmouth, Mar 18, 2022
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  3. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    upload_2022-3-18_15-43-17.png

    confirmation
     
    Sidmouth, Mar 18, 2022
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  4. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    Oh well, that rather messes the day out in Chester! Guess the punters on the train are not too please either!!
     
    Britfoamer, Mar 18, 2022
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  5. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    No doubt there was a problem with illness or something like that. It happens. That said what shouldn't happen is that a loco is promised and then the loco owner starts to put together a support crew. Let's hope that someone from the PRCLT reassures everyone on some media platform that all is well.
     
    Big Al, Mar 18, 2022
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  6. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Unless you are fully aware of the situation you cannot make a statement like that. Do you think that PRCLT leaves it till the last minute before trying to get a support crew together, then find they can't get the required number?
     
    RalphW, Mar 18, 2022
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  7. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Wasn't aware I said that and I thought this was a discussion forum. Read my first sentence again. You have actually also said something that I didn't.

    I have deep sympathy for relatively small owning groups and the even smaller group of people who they draw on to support main line activities. As I'm sure you know it involves a commitment that is two or three times the duration of the charter and often results in one or two nights in less than comfortable surroundings. Just one small problem, as I suggested, can throw the whole programme up in the air.

    It also explains to people who are unaware why it is that a last minute substitution of one loco by another is often impossible simply because a support crew just doesn't 'appear' out of nowhere.

    Wasn't the Duchess booked for three consecutive Saturdays? That's quite a programme...in my view. Hopefully things will be back together again for the Manchester trip.
     
    Big Al, Mar 18, 2022
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  8. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    I would have thought that having thrown their lot in with Vintage Trains they would have had more/better crewing resources. At least two of the staff we got talking to around at Hellifield last Saturday were Vintage Trains, but that could well have been the train, and this may be loco crew related?
     
    Britfoamer, Mar 19, 2022
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  9. Andy Collinson

    Andy Collinson New Member

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    We had a support crew, everything is always planned well in advance. I was one of them and Covid has caught up with me. Unfortunately it can’t be helped and every avenue was explored to get 6233 on the front of the train today. Sadly it couldn’t be done due to illness.


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    Last edited: Mar 19, 2022
    Andy Collinson, Mar 19, 2022
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  10. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Welcome to Nat Pres Andy and thanks for taking the time to explain the situation. Fear not, the Duchess will have another day to show why it's one of the most loved and appreciated locos on the main line.
     
    Big Al, Mar 19, 2022
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  11. Andy Collinson

    Andy Collinson New Member

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    Thanks Al. We were so looking forward to the trip to Chester, fingers crossed for the Mancunian next weekend


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    Andy Collinson, Mar 19, 2022
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  12. AlexS

    AlexS New Member

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    Vintage Trains/WCRC etc provide the train crew, IE driver/fireman/guard like any other TOC. The support crew for 6233 are provided by PRCLT and Vintage Trains/WCRC are neither here nor there for that (there are often overlaps of staff in the charter business, but it makes little difference in this case). Hope whoever is unwell gets better soon.
     
    AlexS, Mar 19, 2022
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  13. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    I see in addition to not have steam haulage it appears from RTT that they had to sit at Crewe (and I guess Rugby if it had not departed late from London) for the times of what I assume were the water stops. Platform 12 at Crewe is uninviting at the best of times let alone on a windy day.
    This seems a regular occurance when diesel has to replace steam at short notice (been on a couple myself). If signallers can handle late running trains and fit them in, how come the passengers could not have been allowed to have more time in Chester?
     
    Gladiator 5076, Mar 19, 2022
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  14. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Too many quickly forget the lot of the support crew is a pretty draining one . incredibly long days , plus actually all the prep and disposal and for little thanks or reward .
     
    Sidmouth, Mar 19, 2022
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  15. Andy Collinson

    Andy Collinson New Member

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    It is… up at 2am, back on shed in the early hours, it’s hard work but we love it, hopefully bringing pleasure to the passengers.


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    Andy Collinson, Mar 19, 2022
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  16. Andy Collinson

    Andy Collinson New Member

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    It’s full on, sorting the ash pan, getting **** up…we try our best!


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    Andy Collinson, Mar 19, 2022
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  17. 44713

    44713 New Member

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    All timings are geared to Premier dining; they must have time to eat their meals....
     
    44713, Mar 19, 2022
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  18. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    But they will have finished breakfast and they do not normally have lunch these days.
     
    Gladiator 5076, Mar 19, 2022
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  19. 44713

    44713 New Member

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    Ah! Yes,you are correct, no lunch. Apologies.
     
    44713, Mar 19, 2022
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  20. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    Crewe can handle early departures, still sat in the car just East of Hargrave Chester a few years ago finishing butties, and the Black 5 steamed past catching us all out, over half an hour early!!
     
    Britfoamer, Mar 19, 2022
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