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The Great Britain VII

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by steam_mad, Jul 29, 2013.

  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Yes, to be not open across Easter would be a black mark for NR - not that they can work any faster than they are currently.
     
  2. 33056

    33056 Member

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    Don't think this has been mentioned in this thread but you can keep up to date with the situation at Dawlish directly from Network Rail on this link .

    I'm probably missing something here, but what is wrong with 70013?
     
  3. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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    Out of action for 3 months after crack discovered in the boiler.
     
  4. 33056

    33056 Member

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    Thanks, perhaps we can carry on with "Britannia" bearing in mind that it features the previous day.
     
  5. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Is that boiler or firebox????
     
  6. Paul42

    Paul42 Part of the furniture

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    The information came from Heritage Railway Magazine and that is all it states.
    No information on 5305 LA site.
    GC newsletter makes reference to works to the firebox.
     
  7. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    I thought that a crack in a boiler would be more than 3 months to rectify.
     
  8. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Dead right. A boiler problem could be potentially terminal. Firebox issues are more common.
     
  9. gwr4090

    gwr4090 Part of the furniture

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    The advertised target date for reopening at Dawlish is now 17 April, not much before the GBVII is due to pass on 26 April. Because of the need to book hotels in advance, I wouldn't be surprised if the contingency Plan B for GBVII is put into effect. This would involve changes of itinerary for the first two days, with a totally different itinerary for Day 2. We will await the advice from RTC to passengers in due course.

    David
     
  10. steamvideosnet

    steamvideosnet Well-Known Member

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    The GBVII is mentioned in the latest Steam Railway magazine on pages 50/51.

    Tony Streeter reports that the GBVII will head to West Wales if Dawlish isn't open in time - " 'Plan B' involves the train going no further than Exeter - which is to be reached from London via Southern metals - before doubling back in the direction of Bristol. From there, the 'back up' route takes a left under the Severn, then heads on to Pembroke Dock".

    Sounds as though it'll be London-Exeter-Bristol on day 1, then Bristol-Pembroke Dock-Bristol on day 2? Or maybe even London-Exeter-Bristol-Pembroke Dock on day 1?

    James
     
  11. RayMason

    RayMason Member

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    Plan B would be 2 nights at Bristol......and Pembroke Dock for the day2
    Work continues apace at Dawlish,however,with v good progress this week but.......
     
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  12. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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  13. gricerdon

    gricerdon Guest

    Looks like Dawlish will be ok but very unlikely that Bridgwater will be open. It could be many months more. Strange that its nit getting the press that Dawlish is.

    Don
     
  14. MAPLE CHRIS

    MAPLE CHRIS Member

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    Water levels have dropped to reveal the track once more and Network rail will be assessing the situation in a few days time would be surprised if this line is shut for months as the tocs will will it open as soon as is humanely possible all depends what damage is found.
     
  15. RayMason

    RayMason Member

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    5-6 XC trains are being diverted via Westbury on weekdays with added running time so closure from Taunton to Bridgwater doesn't preclude a London Exeter Bristol itinery but it may result in a much slower and longer run. In truth no one quite knows as line capacity is also an issue if signalling is not fully reinstated or line speed limited.
    NR are really working flat out (near my house!)so the TOC s and enthusiasts can only hope for the best.
    The challenge for RTC lies with the logistics of hotel bookings as well as route changes!

    Fingers crossed. Ray Mason
     
  16. gricerdon

    gricerdon Guest

    I was passing on what was said in yesterday's Pathfinder enews:

    The Fordgate (Somerset Levels) flood damage cannot be properly inspected until water levels have fallen substantially, and may require the rebuilding of embankments, which could take several months to complete

    They have cancelled their 19th April tour

    Don
     
  17. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Images of Fordgate are available at the Network Rail website.
    https://www.networkrail.co.uk/timetables-and-travel/storm-damage/
    Scroll down towards the bottom. You can compare the images by their dates.
    The water levels are lower now but there's still a long way to go. <BJ>
     
  18. Larry S

    Larry S New Member

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    Just checked the Network Rail website today (Mar 5) and they now say Dawlish will open April 4. YES!!!!!
     
  19. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Well they heard you were coming so are working day and night to get it finished....;)
     
  20. Larry S

    Larry S New Member

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    Darn it, sorry for that emotional outburst. I obviously need to work a little harder on cultivating my "British reserve" if I'm not going to stand out like a sore thumb :-0)
     

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