Cathedrals Express To Winchester 14/12/16

According to Steam Dreams, it'll be Steam from Ashford to Winchester, and then back to London where Diesel haulage will take it back to Ashford.

 

According to their web site information, which has been there for weeks, or a recent update?

 

Steam up until London on the way back and then diesel has always been the intention on this one, regardless of the front end traction.

Still no news on timings, glass is moving nearer half empty from half full.

 

Possibly changing destination to Salisbury? The one on the 3rd changed at the last minute...

 

Should not need a change, the one on the 3rd was because Eastleigh would not open up for the turning loop on the weekend having previously been prepared to do so, weekday is not a problem.

Not having timings at this stage is!

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10709/2016/12/14/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10710/2016/12/14/advanced

 

Just beat me to it thanks!

Hour and ten minutes to get past Maidstone, 20 miles away!

 

Unbelievable!

 

Coming down directly from London so fives must be trailing one assumes. No separate path for the diesel going back so I guess we are going to have plenty of motive power unfortunately!

Can't say I can understand the pathing at Ashford, particularly on the return where the ECS goes to Sevington Loop just outside Ashford and then goes back to Ashford. Does this suggest motive power at both ends of the train or a run-around?

Perhaps one of the more knowledgeable can explain?

 

Well unless you want to freeze to death, you'll need some ETH hanging on the back. Unless you use the Riviera Trains generator coach, which yesterday made more noise than a class 37!

 

Not what my 'Perhaps one of the more knowledgeable can explain?' referred to

I assume 'ETH' is something to do with power generation? doesn't show in the acronyms dictionary.

 

Thanks,

As a recently new member on the forum I struggle with some of the acronyms that experienced members use and are specialist railway ones. I also spend an awful lot of time looking up loco numbers on Wiki!

I'll learn?

The ECS movement after Ashford tomorrow night still confuses me at Sevington. Would it be expected to show a reversal or a separate movement if the diesel was doing a run-around to get to what will become the front of the train when it goes in the opposite direction back through Ashford?

 

You'll find that RTT (real times trains) does not always show movements in some Sidings, Loops, Shunts etc, because they are often under local control. (i.e. a bloke climbs out the cab, goes to the ground frame (a ground frame is a set of points levers by the side of the track) and if necessary phones the signalman to get a lever unlocked and them moves the points) Some are under regional control, but even they dont appear, being very short term planning.

 

Run round movements at Sevington and Beechbrook Farm loop don't normally have timings published. Both loops are controlled by Ashford IECC. As a rule of thumb in train planning about 15 years ago, RR and turning movements were only published if they used two or more timing points or could create conflicting movements with other trains.
With a sparse service (for Kent) and reversible signalling, run round movements at Sevington don't seem to be an issue.

Incidentally Beechbrook Farm Loop is a very unusual line for passenger services. ( Has anyone told the Branch Line Society?)

Cheers, Neil

 

Heading through Micheldever this afternoon:

 

Running about 20 late at Brookwood, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it put on the down fast to avoid a conflict with the Basingstoke stopper. Brave signalling decision for a 60mph train! Judging by the exhaust alone, only the lead loco appeared to be doing any work, but given the fact that the rear diesel was idling, and it had managed about 50mph up the 1 in 330 with 12 coaches plus the diesel , both 'fives' must have been contributing.

 

Departing the Chertsey water stop

 

My humble offerings from today. Seen at Worting Junction and Micheldever.

Enjoy!

 

The pair at Borough Green this morning:

Was good to see and I thought the tinsel was rather nice! It was good to see so many people turn out to see it, including the local school children and office workers. I work in an office right next to the station so popped out to see it and several of my colleagues joined me - they enjoyed it too and it was great to be able to share my enthusiasm!