The Great Britain IX

S

Called earlier - very helpful as usual. The tickets are being dispatched today.

Gareth

 

Well then hopefully the timings will be out too. Its Weds tomorrow and it doesnt leave very long to plan anything!

 

With all due respect, I doubt the needs of the linesider are uppermost in NR's mind when timing this tour.

 

I totally agree with you. We dont matter at all in the scheme of things but I hope the paying pax get their tickets and times sooner rather than later now as times is marching on. I will just have to burn a little midnight oil to plan!

 

Agreed.

 

Still debating whether or not to join this year's caravan of GB-followers. I've videoed some or all of GB 1 - 7, missed 8 (was going to do the first 2 days, but was struck down with the lurgy - a blessing in diguise) and I've been waiting to see what happened with GBIX. "Make your mind up time" has arrived...

 

They didn't make the duration last year.....

 

Heard through the grapevine that its Scot and Galatea on the first 2 legs. Anyone know whats on day 3?

 

Apparently, Day 3 will run via The Welsh Marches by the Duchess, but I wouldn't be surprised if Royal Scot get's the chance to do it if the Duchess can't make it.

 

Hope Galatea's problem can be repaired rapidly then otherwise the Diesel+Steam looks inevitable.

 

Wouldn't the Scot just carry on with the box on the back ?

 

I hear on the grapevine that either Day 1 might run steam into Cornwall or Day 2 might steam out of Cornwall, or perhaps both. I'm afraid my informant wasn't very specific.

Knowing that RTC really want GBIX to provide steam from Penzance to Wick, I would not be surprised if they were trying to juggle arrangements to make this happen. It depends on so many things - crew route knowledge and hours, where to turn, where to take coal and water... Even if there are alternative plans being worked on, perhaps nothing has been found that fits... yet.

If any one can confirm or refute this, I'd be very interested to know. TIA

 

deleted

 

No reason why the Scot couldn't go it alone with assistance over the S Devon Banks. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

Ok partial update at 14.00

46100 gauged!
46100 Vic - Ply plus 45407
Locos t/f LE to Pnz
46100/45407 Pz Ply Exeter etc
Then as prev stated( by me!) until

INV - MOSSEND 2 x 5s
MOSSEND s/b. 46233
LAKES - DONCASTER 45690 via Copy Pit
I suspect ORR wish to minimise steam mileage on the ECML(IMO) so DSL to KX

Only day 1 timings
Vic 08.44. Newbury Race and Frome waterstop
Pz 19.00 ish . As timings will appear I'll leave details out except that DWW will/may enjoy a brief pathing stop
Hurrah- I live there!!!

Maybe it's all changed in the last 4 hrs . FTRs / timings
BUT steam PZ to WICK and yes, it IS the very last GB run by RTC
Maybe another TOC/promotor will attempt it with steam
Maybe..........

 

No box on back except if required in the far north.........AFAIK
Plus water in Tiv Loop

 

Thanks for that a good combination of locos for the first day with no fire engine liveried Jub to be seen. What would we do with out Ian Riley and his Black 5s. 5407 will be doing both extremities of this trip as I assume it is still booked for Inverness- Wick

 

Thanks too, glad to see not everyone is as yet put off posting helpful info.

 

Can't see Guardsman doing Grange - Beattock as its still in bits and needs a test run !