RTC 2024

44871 crossesthe Somerset Levels at Wick https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/53913889906/in/dateposted-public/

 

The return working of the West Somerset Steam Express. https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/53914992120/in/dateposted-public/

 

Here's my footage of LMS Black Five no. 44871 roaring once again over the Somerset Hills at the West Somerset Railway yesterday. I filmed the loco at Kentsford Farm Crossing up Washford Bank, Leigh Woods Crossing up Crowcombe Bank, and a fast main line run at Charlton near Cogload Junction. I hope you enjoy it.

 

I knew it was the Cotswold as I'm on it! Looks like there is no buffet car available so only 9 on probably serve drinks from guard 's area

 

But Neil’s post wasn’t referring to the Cotswold job. CME is Cumbrian Mountain.

 

Had senile moment didn't realize C M E was running same day sorry . Would explain why no buffet car the other buggers have got it!!

 

The Royal Duchy crosses the Huntspill River with the outbound working.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/53962917403/in/dateposted-public/

 

44871 on the Royal Duchy at Bradford on Tone en route to Par

 

Swanage Belle on 11th September cancelled " .. for operational reasons."
Presumably due to the recent bridge 'bash' at Grange Road [Bridge 9]. Noticeable movement no doubt requiring substantial repair works.

 

That was my take but Tuesday/ Wednesday has these two ECS trips for the Shrewsbury trip which leaves Bournemouth at the late hour of 05:33

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U24660/2024-09-03/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U24669/2024-09-04/detailed

 

Please look at my entry on the Saphos thread. Their ECS from Crewe is stabling on the Swanage branch some way short of the bridge bash - and possibly always was. So far as I am aware, it is still due to stable on the Swanage Branch - but on an embankment across the River Frome flood plain rather than close to Norden road crossing.
I'm sure it will arrive fully 'tanked' from Crewe. On some trips, do LSL roster a MkIII sleeping car in the consist for all the staff? If they have, nothing like being self-contained.

 

Will be a lonely afternoon and night there then, I presume it has to arrive that early to give minimum rest time.
I guess the sleeping car classes as good enough sleeping accommodation for the driver and guard, plus maybe some catering staff?

 

LSL do not put a sleep car on their trains. The staff sleep in a hotel near to the origin of the trip. (ie on the Pullman I did the other week they overnighted in York).

 

Fair walk to the nearest bridge from where I think Peter is referring to, especially back in the dark at 04:00.

 

I bow to your superior knowledge but, if the staff get off at Bournemouth to stay in an hotel overnight, the catering staff will not even to be able to serve a welcoming cup of coffee or tea until getting near Southampton I would have thought. As for cooking breakfasts, that might take some time longer into the journey.
I would have thought Saphos would want their catering staff on board and well into getting everything ready as they arrive in Bournemouth to save last minute rushes.
However, I hope someone on here who is travelling on the train might ask politely what the overnight accommodation was.
Apologies for continuing the thread drift.

 

I can but use my knowledge of previous trips. The Pullman one, the staff stayed in York. The train arrived 15 mins before booked departure ECS. We were welcomed on the train by our stewards. Served tea/coffee about 20 mins after departure. About 40 mins on from that came our first course of breakfast. So an hour in total. LSL do it in such a way the “cooked breakfast” is some time into the journey, as the first course is a cold one.

 

Bringing back to thread, nice to see the Duchy Headboard in use today on 44871. Adds a nice touch.

 

Tracked down to the West shed at Butterley, and returned this week to take its rightful place. Many thanks to the PRCLT for expediting its return.

 

Excellent job.