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free2grice's Recent Activity

  1. free2grice replied to the thread VT: Ticket to Ride with 7029 - 11/07/26.

    If you study the timings for Winsford at the time that 44871 passed through, it is surely more than a coincidence that the fire started around that time. <BJ> Realtime Trains | Departures from Winsford around 1740 on 11/07/2026

    Jul 12, 2026 at 12:45 PM

  2. free2grice liked 45698Mars's post in the thread LE movements, ECS and test runs 2026.

    I was hoping to catch 7029 with the return Cathedrals Express this evening but, thanks to the signalling problems caused by a lineside fire near Acton Bridge, she was held at Huyton for around 2 hours. I did however catch a shot of her at...

    Jul 12, 2026 at 1:02 AM

  3. free2grice liked twr12's post in the thread RTC: Eddystone to York - 11/07/26.

    What has to be remembered, when moaning about the diesel doing most of the work, that the cross section of passengers on the train means that there is practically no option to cancel the train when Network Rail impose Red restrictions to steam...

    Jul 11, 2026 at 10:08 AM

  4. free2grice replied to the thread Saphos Trains 2026.

    Confirmed as diesel hauled throughout. [BJ]

    Jul 11, 2026 at 8:31 AM

  5. free2grice liked The Gricing Owl's post in the thread RTC: End of Southern Steam - 9/07/26.

    I am rather suprised too that steam, even with any number of diesels, is allowed out on the main line today. Especially as the great heat was scheduled to move west today, with a 35 C temperature shown on the BBC weather map this morning for...

    Jul 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM

  6. free2grice replied to the thread RTC: End of Southern Steam - 9/07/26.

    If the class 33 is not required to run with the tour, timings for a light engine movement from Weymouth to Southall have appeared. The loco is routed via Castle Cary. Surely, it would have been preferable to follow the charter. Possibly a lack...

    Jul 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM

  7. free2grice replied to the thread RTC: End of Southern Steam - 9/07/26.

    There may be this evening. 33.025 is escorting Clan Line to Weymouth. A diesel could be positioned at the rear of the train and another behind the tender. Insurance while passing through the New Forest? <BJ

    Jul 9, 2026 at 11:58 AM

  8. free2grice replied to the thread Saphos Trains 2026.

    Woking to Kingswear tour on Saturday expected to be diesel hauled throughout. A sensible decision. <BJ>

    Jul 9, 2026 at 8:40 AM

  9. free2grice replied to the thread RTC: End of Southern Steam - 9/07/26.

    35028 Clan Line has passed it's FTR examination. The tour will have diesel assistance due to the 'red' fire risk level. [BJ]

    Jul 8, 2026 at 6:56 PM

  10. free2grice replied to the thread Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters.

    Oh dear. [BJ]

    Jul 7, 2026 at 7:14 PM

  11. free2grice replied to the thread Swanage Railway General Discussion.

    34072 is hauling service trains today. Just to show how hot it is, a crew member who was about to water the loco has just put his head under the water column to cool himself. Who could blame him. <BJ>

    Jul 7, 2026 at 12:46 PM

  12. free2grice liked gios's post in the thread SVR General Discussion.

    As regards 82045. It's never good form to give a completion date, as there are so many variables and unknowns. She will be ready when she is ready. It is possible however to say that when the great day eventually arrives, there are already plans...

    Jul 6, 2026
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