Steam Dreams 2013 & 2014 Archive

I think stating that SD made a blatant lie is rather harsh.

Maybe they have been trying very hard behind the scenes to get some steam presence on the train. Even if only on the front with a diesel coupled behind it to do all the work. Hence no need for a water stop. Maybe they are still trying: we are not to know that.

I do feel that sort of language, when we here do not know all the facts, is perhaps best not used.

Just my view. Not looking to start WWIII.

 

Given York's insistence for the past couple of weeks that no steam in any shape or form can traverse their patch before significant rain, it's been fairly obvious to many observers that it was going to be a diesel job.
The timings on SD's website have no water stops - their tour publicity mentions the second tender - but even so the times do not allow for a loco change at York and I defy anyone to turn 4464 plus two tenders at Scarborough even if it had sufficient water to get there. Even now their website is saying that the timings have been done in the hope that steam is allowed.

 

Indeed but the times issued do not provide for a loco change at York. Just three minutes between arrival and departure. To suggest that the times published "have been done in the hope that steam is allowed"
is a tad misleading IMO.

 

IOS might want to take this Railtour off their "See & Travel" page as it is still on there with 4464 in charge..................................

 

A somewhat garbled emailshot has just arrived from SD.
"Duchess of Sutherland, after an absence of some years, will be back to haul The Cathedrals Express on 20 September from London Euston to Chester, and onwards for the beautiful journey along the North Wales Coast to Bangor and Holyhead".
Except that it won't. Further down in the same mailshot they say "This train will be hauled by modern traction from London to Crewe in both directions", which is a funny way of putting it, besides contradicting the first statement. "... from London to Crewe and back" would have been more logical and used one less word.

 

I think promoters need to think more carefully which destinations they run to in July and August, since some routes are higher risk than others.

For tours from the South East I suggest trips to York, Weymouth or Swanage are avoided in these months ( July in particular since 4 years in the last 10 their have been trips that have had to have diesel hauled or diesel assistance or cancelled trips from the South East).

Therefore I suggest the following ( some which will include diesel leg due to the distance and Tornado not being operated by West Coast) from the South East -

Bath ( via Reading), Worcester, Hereford/Ludlow/Shrewsbury, Minehead, Exeter and Plymouth, Chester, Stratford Upon Avon.

 

The E Mail actually calls it the North Welsh Coast which is a new location to me! Amazingly on the same day RTC have 70013 scheduled to run Euston to Chester and back with steam throughout on their special - and for less money. I know which trip I prefer.

 

Indeed trips via Reading have been almost totally ignored despite the fact that the Reading blockade ended some time ago.

 

I was wondering if it was still in place until the flyover is finished. When did it end?

 

Tomorrows trip now confirmed on UK steam as diesel hauled throughout,however STILL showing on SD website as Bittern with note below saying "maybe diesel hauled due to fire risk".

Pretty disappointing,as well as sending out grammatically incorrect emails promoting future trips,why not just be straight with people. They have known for at least 10 days there was no chance at all of tomorrows trip being steam.

 

Left Arlesey a while ago, 47237 leading, 37706 trailing. Passengers didn't look very happy on Platform 2.

 

Yes, platforms can be uninteresting places. Especially the even numbered ones. But I am sure that once they got in the train, those crisp white table clothes, complimentary tea and coffee and pretty serving lasses would have brought big smiles to their faces. Not to forget the wonderful effect of the growls from the diesels at either end of the train. Except of course for the 47 fans, "Damn it, I think the 37 was pushing up Stoke".

 

Just had a SD leaflet in the post. Seems they are offering £25 off future 2014 trips.
Not that impressed with the advertised trips, doesn't seem to be much steam mileage, especially the WSR one.
That looks like the only steam is actually on the WSR! For£99!

 

Take that man's name Wilson, he knows too much about a diesel loco!

 

'Steam Dreams?' .... ''On the outward journey the train will be diesel hauled in both directions between Southend and Bishop’s Lydeard.
This trip is scheduled to be diesel hauled most likely to be a British Rail Class 47, 37 or 33''.

Bring back Past-Time Rail, we miss you. <BJ>

 

If you get on at Reading the price is still £99. No wonder then that they're prepared to knock £25 off. <BJ>