The Royal Scot, Thursday 6/11/25

They can, but (as consumers) we need to bear in mind why our business may be being bought - and that if products are being sold at below their economic value, we really shouldn't get used to those prices.

 

71000 holds the record for the fastest 13 coach train on Shap (5 min 34.90 sec, 21/10/06) but the fastest climb of all is 35018 with load 11 (5 min 25.05sec, 27/8/22). Yesterday I clocked 5 min 28.36 sec over the reference section which is second fast of all (10 coaches) [149 recorded climbs in preservation era].

I got a finish speed of 45.5 mph but I would accept the 46 mph that other have suggested.

Thanks to all involved.

 

That was my initial thought also, I assume the one at Carlisle is the normal thunderbird one similarly at Rugby?

Assuming that Saphos are filling their trains at their 'normal' pricing which seems to be double what this tour was it would make literally no commercial sense to basically undercut themselves...

 

Interested to know if you risked and advance (very brave in conjunction with a tour I would think) or paid Avanti probably more than a nights hotel for any anytime ticket.

 

I understand the DRS 57 had an air leak, hence why a 68 was also attached after the initial move from the derailment site.

 

So an advance you were happy to throw away if the tour was late. I guess for roughly £26 or £17 with a railcard (price for that train next Thursday) not too much to risk
Glad it worked for you.

 

There's no reason a tour like this cannot make money, if trips involving multiple diesels on long ECS moves and plentiful catering staff for Premier Dining can.

Given how quickly it sold out with the short notice period too for a random Thursday, there was definitely demand that went unmet. Something similar for 60532, 5029 etc would certainly could reap back the costs and some.

 

I've not seen anything to tell me what the costs were. I'm sure there's demand at those prices, but is it enough to make a profit?

 

Talking to some of those involved, this really simple set up in terms of resource and logistics is something set to be repeated.

Internally there is enthusiasm from crews to do this, the rolling stock is at times not in LSL’s mainstream use and is available, and does not need to be decked or staffed in the same manner so does not bear the same costs.

If it’s continually supported, we will keep seeing similar tours.

 

Part of the reason that yesterday's train sold out so quickly was its rarity. Even at such a relatively low price, operators couldn't be sure of filling a "no frills" trip if it was a regular occurrence, and they'd have to fill it to see their money back. However, I'm sure there's scope for 1 or 2 a year

 

The Duke gets a final check over before departing for Carlisle on Thursday.

Like many others I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Whilst at Carlisle I bumped into someone I had not seen for years, Frank Gradwell who some members on here will probably remember, he certainly remembers certain people and enlightened me about them. It was good to see him and recall being stuck at Oban on a Great Britain trip and being on a Curry special at the Churnet Valley.
Thanks to all involved in making the trip possible and hope we can have more.

Dave B

 

Great stuff, thanks for posting it.

 

Costs and profit are not things that should concern us, if the organiser of the tour decides to sell tickets at a bargain price .........great stuff, grab 'em as quick as you can.
I'll bet The Royal Scot didn't make a loss.

 

That's true although there wasn't a whole train-load of seats being offered as from what transpired, the trip was a thank-you day for staff and employees - for instance, toc drivers that weren't necessarily steam enthusiasts but probably are now!

 

A call out too for the excellent Stewards that in my opinion, served their operator very well.

 

One of your best ever. Waiting with baited breath for episode two, that will hopefully also include reference to the moggy. (Cat, not an open top car driven by gentlemen wearing tweed hats and jackets).

Bryan