Christmas Cheshireman, 28th November

Sorry Al, meant its operational status and relocation more than the sale not being clear.

 

I understand that 45231 is still at Carnforth and is not currently operational.

 

Thanks for the clarification, the basis of which seems to rule it out of any involvement with the train this thread is discussing. Which leaves limited options.

 

My Money is on the Riley 5s or Tangmere and something grubby on the back.....

 

Are there any gauging issues for 46233 west of Swindon? A trip it was supposed to haul the same day has been caped, so unless there's maintenance or support crew issues, it might be another one to add to the mix. As much as I like 34067, I can't see it being ready, diesel or no diesel. Its also timed for 60mph, so I'd assume there's ex-LMS stuff at the front.

 

Agreed! To get the duchess by chance would be amazing...

 

RTT often shows 60 mph and 715 tons. Doesnt mean much

 

Yes and presumably inputing a big load and 60 mph will do just that. Just a question of varying the parameters. Now if it was to be Clan Line on 8 then the normal inputs would apply!

 

The Duchess being drafted in late would definitely add more bums on seats. IIRC 46233 was booked on day three of the GB tour 2014, but was replaced late on. It was also down to run over the Marches in the summer, but was later canned due to the WCR restrictions. So hopefully gauging might not be an issue, if it's surprisingly called upon.

 

The Duchess was pulled from the run on the GW main line on 3rd September with, allegedly, loads of places where it might not fit. If NR can't accept it there, what's the chance of their accepting it now on the Marches?

 

Loads of places between London and Didcot, if memory serves, which is probably code for 'we don't want steam anywhere near where we are cocking-up the GW electrification programme, as it just presents us with another thing to worry about'. To be honest, I think its probably got a better chance on the Marches route than anywhere else in the south as things stand.

 

My tickets say Tangmere and steam hauled throughout...watch this space!!

 

Do these LE moves at Temple Meads:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50744/2015/11/28/advanced

and

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50748/2015/11/28/advanced


indicate that possibly the diesel is planned to be left behind at Bristol? Just wondered if anyone more familiar with the set-up there than me could say.

Thanks

 

Stock may arrive top n tailed so maybe only one of the diesels will be left behind? Will contact RTC to see if spare seats for pay on the day, but will only want to travel if no diesel on the back.

 

This is now likely to be a Riley Black 5 instead of Tangmere.

David

 

We heard on Saturday that Tangmere wasn't going to be available. Does your post mean only one of Ian's 5s is available Dave?

 

Not really surprised. Just thankful I got my first 1,000 miles behind 34067 back in February, so I won't mind so much if it fails to turn up at the head of the train from now on.

44871 has been a bit of an elusive one for me, mileage-wise. Have had three trips behind it totalling 426.5 miles, so Shrewsbury via Gloucester should take me within striking distance of 'clearing' it. Also, the return will hopefully see some unfinished business completed, as I had 34067 on the 'Welsh Marshes' trip in 2013, and despite being an excellent itinerary, it wasn't steaming too well on the final stretch of the journey between Gloucester and Bristol Parkway. As I hadn't a hope in hell of making the last train bound for Cardiff from Temple Meads, I had to bail out at Parkway, thus missing a fairly rare opportunity to take the east chord of the triangle at Stoke Gifford southbound (yes, I like a challenge!).

 

Confirmed on UKSteam, 44871 is going to do the Bath Christmas Market on Thursday before the trip to Shrewsbury, surprising that 45407 hasn't joined in to form a double header as Ian Riley always does. Unless, he decides to run his Black 5's together just for Saturday's trip.