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The Britannic Explorer (Belmond Trains)

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Deepgreen, Jun 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM.

  1. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    There is a series of what are described on RH as a "test run" for the 'Britannic Explorer', with a class 66 and ECS, from Wales to Victoria and back over several days this week. My question is, if the loco and stock are cleared for the route (with NR's hugely-meticulous route clearance regime), why is there a need for such (presumably expensive) runs?
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
    Deepgreen, Jun 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
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  2. 2857Harry

    2857Harry Well-Known Member

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    Not quite sure why this is in the WCR Tours thread but…..

    These aren’t gauging test runs. These are testing for timings, staff training, etc. A mock run if you like
     
    2857Harry, Jun 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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  3. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    To paraphrase the Bernie Ecclestone answer to Murray Walker of " I did not know I had bought McLaren", I did not know WCRC had bought 66's:)
     
    Gladiator 5076, Jun 10, 2025 at 2:44 PM
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  4. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    It's in the WCR thread because I thought I had seen that WCR are running them. If not, my apologies. There are six runs all told, covering the various legs of the tour. An expensive operation I would imagine.
     
    Deepgreen, Jun 10, 2025 at 8:02 PM
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  5. 2857Harry

    2857Harry Well-Known Member

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    Ah right. Yeah GBRF are the ones running it. An effective English/Welsh version of the Royal Scotsman
     
    2857Harry, Jun 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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  6. GWR7812

    GWR7812 New Member

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    GWR7812, Jun 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
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  7. 2857Harry

    2857Harry Well-Known Member

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    It’s the Britannic Explorer hauled by a mix of GBRF locos
     
    2857Harry, Jun 14, 2025 at 5:24 AM
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  8. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Not running - was meant to be a test run with the stock but it's gone back to Eastleigh to rectify some faults.
     
    5944, Jun 14, 2025 at 7:39 AM
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  9. Deepgreen

    Deepgreen Well-Known Member Friend

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    As a finale perhaps to this - after the test runs the entire 'Britannic' tour appears to be have been cancelled! Perhaps a problem was encountered on the tests (thus justifying their running)?
     
    Deepgreen, Jun 14, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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  10. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    The launch of Belmond's prestige diesel hauled 'Britannic Explorer' has had a disappointing start. After the private charter arrived at London Victoria yesterday afternoon, a problem was found with the train and it was forced to return to Stewarts Lane. The 4 day tour to Keighley (day 1), Maryport, Ribblehead (day 2), Derbyshire (day 3) and Oxfordshire (day 4) has had to be cancelled. <BJ>
     
    free2grice, Jun 14, 2025 at 11:58 AM
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  11. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    Made it into London Victoria yesterday and then prompty suffered a brake fault, worst possible start you could think of..
     
    acorb, Jun 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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  12. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Luckily it was only another trial run and didn't involve any passengers.
     
    5944, Jun 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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