Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2016

Two of anything is rare!

 

Be surprised if it did Danny as there was a big speed restriction near the summit after the landslip but not sure if it is in place .

 

Wasn't there a WCME a few years ago when 44932 & 45305 paired up.

 

It's tragic to think that 60103 will now not be able to work this weekend's WCME as Riley's team worked 24/7 to get her to the condition that she is now in and I do feel sorry for them that this Air Brake issue has once more risen after being fixed once before. Lets not forget though that Scotsman's 93 years old now and wasn't designed to have air braking fitted. Will be interesting to see what duo does take her place as some sources state it's 45407 + 45699 & Riley's lads say it will be 44871 + 45407. The only issue I have with the later is 44871's still in Grosmont and getting a path back to Bury at such short notice wont be easy as the tours less than 4 days away.

 

Yes, the former running in tribute to the departed George Hinchcliffe.

 

44871 moving to Bury Friday according to UK Steam.

 

It's not 'tragic', it's just disappointing. 'Tragic' should be reserved for the serious matters of life and death. Just saying.

 

Spotted that this morning on UK Steam. The good thing about this though is that 44871's the last of the currently mainline approved black 5's that I need to ride behind on a steam special as iv already had the other 4 with 3 of them being on 2013's 1T57 anniversary special.

 

I don't know what we would do without those Black 5's.

 

Just realised that this year 44871's mainline ticket runs out as she returned to the mainline in 2009, wonder if she will be getting an extension on the ticket for another year or going straight in for overhaul like 45407 did.

 

Don't know about 44871, but 45212 is coming

I wonder if it'll be possible to have a gathering of 1968 black fives at Carnforth in 2018?

 

That id love to see

 

Times up for 46233 on Saturday 30th .

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50572/2016/01/30/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50573/2016/01/30/advanced

 

Just received an email from RTC saying that subject to a successful test run 60103 will be hauling the trip on the 6th February, if the test is unsuccessful/doesn't happen then it will be 46233.

What is doesn't say is what happens if ORR revoke West Coast Safety Certificate... Time will tell.

Andrew

 

If a decision has been taken to use eth only it's possible the steam heat capability of the stock is no longer being maintained as a cost saving measure accordingly.

 

Looks like the whole train is being taken to Upperby 10 mins after arrival.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50576/2016/01/30/advanced

 

Obviously turning on the triangle then.