Vintage Trains 2016/17 Tours

Indeed, that was my point about his being much misunderstood. But I fear we digress. Mea culpa...

Tom

 

Fair comment, @Big Al, but in this particular thread, no one is besmirching anyone's reputation. All that's happened so far is that we've noted that VT haven't said anything (yet) about when they might resume steam operations, then wondered what might be going on behind the scenes. It's a fair bet that something is going on, and equally sure that no one in the know is going to let slip anything significant until arrangements are well enough advanced for VT to feel confident in advertising something. However, you and @The Saggin' Dragon have successfully deflected discussion away from VT to a bit of naval-gazing about what sort of speculation is OK and what's beyond the pale, but perhaps that's what you were hoping? ;-)

Personally, I'm not too concerned by the lack of comment from VT. It might mean they're preparing to launch a new Heritage TOC - if so, then hooray and good luck to them. It might mean they're negotiating a new agreement with WCRC. It might mean they're waiting to see what happens and in the mean time are concentrating on finishing Lizzie and Clun Castle... Who knows? Not me.

 

Not sure if this will work and don't shoot me if it doesn't but the following link has also appeared on Facebook https://t.e2ma.net/webview/4bzoj/4cbf6e00ff3cae3ef42a57eb91a9074b

 

Mixed feelings, at the moment, great to see VT finally back where it should be, but still a little mistrusting of WCRC, they have a long way to go to win back trust and the belief they are here reliably for the long run.

 

Could I point out that the VT programme announced is until beginning of October only! VT usually don't announce railtours for last few months of the year until July.

 

Good news. Interesting to note that the first tour, Whistling Ghost on June 18th, will be diesel hauled to the WSR. I'm sure previous years it has been steam, seem to remember seeing 5043 on it last year on a very wet day.

 

This train has been hauled by 5043 for the last three years, and has offered lots of good fast running. This year's designated loco was to have been 46233 making its first visit to the WSR. Unfortunately this loco is now likely to be out of service for a couple of months for repairs to a broken piston. Steam haulage will remain on the WSR.

 

Delighted to see VT back ! Would like to know the reason for the lack of mainline steam on the Whistling Ghost, as this has sort of become an annual tour and most likely one of their most popular trips. If it's Western hauled down to the WSR, that's not too bad of a replacement, but if it's a 47, I'm struggling to see any incentives to book. Hopefully Ben can shed some light on this ?

 

Yes, I read that, but they also have 5043 sitting there and I assume its winter maintenance would be complete by June. I have done the Whistling Ghost twice and just a bit dissapointed the Castle can't be called upon. Hopefully Ben can explain why the Castle can't be used.

 

• It's a bit sad too that the Portsmouth trip will be diesel-hauled. Mind you, the last time (and possibly the only time?) a Castle ran through to Portsmouth, No. 5050 in June 1963, the platform edge at Fareham took a bashing from its cylinders. Mind you, Halls seemed to be able to run through, which is surprising as I thought they were even harder to accommodate outside GWR territory

 

John, the Portsmouth tour doesn't work with steam. It would take too long to get there and back, leaving enough time to travel on the Waverley Paddle Steamer.

 

Network Rail are very strict about the amount of notice required when submitting a charter request. It is less for a diesel hauled train than steam. We had the June 18th slot booked with WSR for many months; moving it to an alternate date was not possible. There was not enough time for steam hauled, but there was just enough for diesel.

I am quickly coming to the conclusion that the opinions expressed by the few on here are somewhat contrary to that of the majority of our passengers! We have had a terrific response to the WSR & Portsmouth tours that are both diesel-hauled, as well as the repeat itineraries of the Cotswold Explorer & Welsh Marches.

5043 is fine. We used it for a Footplate Experience a few weeks ago.

 

I think you are wrongly conflating two separate arguments as far as some of us are concerned. I book diesel tours and enjoy them. But if I book a steam tour, I expect a steam tour not a diesel substituted or a diesel shoving an inadequate steam locomotive around. To date I have no complaints about any trips I have done with VT. I wish I could write the same about other operators.

 

Fantastic news and so looking forward to seeing the Castle and the Hall at work again. The "Shakespeare" has become an integral part of the summer calendar and presents the perfect chance to watch Great Western 4-6-0s in action

 

Poor old 5050. It was withdrawn from St Philips Marsh in August 1963 when it did eventually get back top Bristol. A sad ending to a long career. That said, in 00 gauge terms, I have renumbered and renamed a Hornby Castle to 5050, Earl of St Germans, and so it lives on, at least on my layout!