1Z48... Mk2! 9th May 2014

Just seen the following railtour has been added to uksteam on the 9th May:

Excursion (Provisional) (23/01)
Stourbridge Jn-Plymouth [dbs]
5029: Westbury-Plymouth-Bristol

I remember Steam Railway Magazine hinted at a potential railtour featuring 5029 on the 9th May, this is obviously it!

James

 

http://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/index.php/tour-calendar-reader/events/the-anniversary-limited.html

 

£125 in standard ???? That's a £26 hike on Pathfnder's 2013 prices for a regular steam railtour.

Possibly a result of SLS mooted increase in loco hire fees ?

 

This one is only 8 coaches. What is the usual load for a Pathfinder trip ? Somewhere between 10 and 13 I expect.

 

Oh yes, the Devon banks restriction presumably. Fair enough. Be interesting to see how well it does given VT's rather more interesting outing the following day.

 

Our tour doesnt seem quite so pricey now does it? And we are only taking 6 passenger coaches!

We do still have 2 compartments for sale. 6 people at £1000....so £167 per person including light refreshments.

 

Isn't it more expensive running on a weekday? 9th May is Friday which used to be the most expensive day. Also Pathfinder can only have 6 passenger coaches as there will be a support coach and their Restaurant/Buffet car in the consist.
Both ways over the banks too with a classic single chimneyed castle what's not to like? I'm booked on them both. What a rare treat, a castle over the banks two days running, single and double chimneyed. Never happened in preservation before and probably never will again.

 

And both starting from Birmingham.

 

The Vintage Trains trip has a pickup in Oxford and to quote the website " The stop in Oxford will be timed to connect with a direct First Great Western service from London Paddington."

 

Nunneys loads are managed to ensure the loco is not worked excessively

 

8 coaches over Dainton, Rattery and Hemerdon is no shame for a Castle. Having seen Nunney down to walking speed on Dainton with 8 before her last overhaul, you wouldn't want to ask her to pull any more than that (though she does seem to be stronger since the recent work, looking at her trips to Weymouth and Pembroke last year).

 

Yes she certainly is a stronger engine now, i think 8 plus the SC is a realistic load for her she will have to work hard but its not over working her.

 

The South Devon banks are always likely to get a higher fair as it means less coaches for a single loco, or involving a second one, 9/10 seems to be the limit for even the most powerful loco.

 

*fewer!

 

Who called the grammer police?

 

Isn't it Grammar ?

 

Don't you start! I chooz my spelings karefuly.

Richard

 

In these times of austerity (known as the J94 era), even the grammer police are facing kutz.

Richard

 

That's not grammar police, that's the spelling enforcement squad!