Cathedrals Express 6233 to Bristol 7th October

Given 6233 was on top form in Scotland yesterday,this should be a superb trip particularly as routed via the Portsmouth direct line.

I fear the dreaded 'box' will be on the back for ETH however. Can anyone confirm this?

 

Has it been re-routed to avoid the Staines section now?

 

If it is the Green Train, that is steam heated.

 

I thought I'd seen somewhere that 6233 didnt/couldnt do steam heat but hopefully I am wrong!

 

Was on the Royal Scot yesterday. No box but no heat. Not having the box was a price worth paying butmaybe when they refurb 6233 they can address the heating issue.

 

is there anytimes and route for this tour yet

 

All I can think of is that like 6201, the support coach is not piped for steam heat. Strange situation for a steam loco support coach.

 

I believe the stock used on this tour was eth only, wasn't it the stock with the later Mk2 chocolate & cream kitchen car?

 

indeed it was...

 

We booked on this run as soon as we heard it was changed to 6233. We only just got some seats though. It filled up rather quickly when 6233 was announced as the motive power. Should be a good run over the route. Looking forward to the run up through Milford and the return up Haslemere bank.

 

Sounds like a trip to Surrey is in order. My wish for 6233 to come to the south in Black has been granted!

 

I understand that is precisely the case. If the support coach goes on the back as it was on the return leg from Stirling to Carnforth yesterday the Duchess should be able to steam heat the train. Yesterdays train was not heated after the diesel had come off at Carlisle but was plenty warm enough.

 

Well sorry but it hasnt!.Letter and tickets received by email tonight and 6233 has been "withdrawn" (no further info supplied).60019 will now do this one,a bit disappointing but as long as she has some decent coal I am sure it will be a good day.Given this is the 4th loco to be rostered for this trip I suppose we should be grateful that the 60019 team have made her available. The letter states that the train cannot call at Petersfield on the outward and Havant and Haslemere on the return due to "pathing problems".

 

:frusty: Aaaarrggghhh!!!!!!!

Nothing personal Bittern, just aaaaarrgghhhhh....

 

I know how you feel Steve!

 

ah man this is proper wootang

was really looking forward to seeing the old girl down here on the southern, such a shame, anyone got any info as to why this is now a no go??

ah well i'll still pop out to see bittern, anyone got the times for the run yet? around the woking area

cheers
Matt

 

Got the letter and tickets today. I had a feeling this trip would possibly get changed to 60019 as the positioning run South for 6233 was only listed as provisional anyway.
Disappointed that we won't get a last run behind 6233 before her ticket runs out but I don't mind Bittern at all. It seems SD were very lucky to get her as well going by the letter otherwise it could have been diesel haulage or a cancellation. The letter also mentions problems with timings due to speed restrictions over the route due to the loco's weight. The only restriction I can think of is at Godalming where on a trip with sister 60009 she had to slow right down over a bridge. Can't think where the others are though.
Reading the letter it seems SD have had a nightmare time with this trip with the change of loco 4 times now and problems with the pick-up and set down points. The Joys of running a railtour company!!

Evilswans/Matt the timings for Woking are 10.03 dep. in the morning and 22.17 dep. on the return run.

 

thank you for the times, much appricated shall be down towards worplesdon on the outward run, but fair play to Steam Dreams for making the best of a bad situation and i'm sure that bittern will put in another fine performance, will be at Woking at night as well to get some night shots

cheers again dude and i hope you enjoy your trip

Matt

 

Timings are on SD's website.

http://www.steamdreams.co.uk/executables/GT410WebContent.exe?ActionCode=Timings

 

You are most welcome Matt. Should be a good run although I hope we don't get the usual Weather we get when we go to Bristol, HEAVY RAIN! Of the many times we have been there only a couple of visits have been "dry".