'Cathedrals Express'. 28/06/18

It is the "Ginger Spice" of Class 47's


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Looking good at Earley tonight - diesel locomotive? What diesel locomotive?

 

Oh, there it is!

 

My effort at Norton Jnc and Chalford

 

Great first shot Steve - like it!

 

Chilworth

 

A perfectly reasonable day out. Whilst not one for in-depth performance analysis due to the assistance, it did cover some interesting bits of track, had steam in the right place in the consist, and I had a decent afternoon in Oxford having gatecrashed a group of retired OU administrators as they progressed around the pubs of the city; indeed, it is one of those places that has passed me by hitherto.

 

My video from yesterday, shot at Netherne Drive and Redhill, plus a still of the departure from Redhill in fading light. As one of the last, if not the last, time that 60009 works on the Brighton Main Line, I'm just glad it was leading.

 

hello
a few taken at at a very warm eckington
https://www.flickr.com/photos/15931796@N00/with/29217785158/

 

Some stills from Sandhurst (outbound) and Farnborougb North (return)

 

Reigate, Betchworth and Merstham. Not a thriller, hope the passengers still had a good day none the less...

 

60009 approaching Little Australia crossing, Stonehouse, with 47 580 in tow ('County of Essex' doing most of the work after a pause at Standish Junction)

 

I really don't see the point of running trains like this. It's a waste of coal; water at a time when it's very hot and supplies are beginning to cause concerns; and the cost of crews. Surely passengers aren't gullible enough to think the steam engine is actually doing anything worthwhile?

 

Presumably the question to ask then is whether or not the promoter received lots of complaints... If so, then you may be right, and the train is likely full of gricers, timers and hardcore enthusiasts who are not satisfied with the product...

If the majority of people onboard want a relaxing day out, possibly a nice meal in a pleasant atmosphere and 'a picture of a steam train' along with hearing the chime whistle drift past their window every so often, then which traction unit at the front is providing the majority of the power is largely irrelevant.

It's not doubt frustrating for those who enjoy pure steam (myself included) but I suspect they would get more complaints if no steam at all (and a number of partial refun), or set half of the south of England alight.

 

Cancellation & postponement causes massive inconvenience to a lot of people, including hotel fees, travel arrangements & bad publicity for the promoter. Joe public expect to be able to travel when the trip is planned. They do not distinguish between promoter, track owner and train operators - if the train does not run it is the promoter's fault and they are less likely to book again.
There is also the issue of cash flow and loss of earnings if a whole rash of trips are cancelled due to a big event like fire risk - not just to the promoter, but to all the smaller suppliers including loco owners. Having the steam engine on the train actually means these people get paid.
Yes the situation isn't ideal, but weather such as we have now (+ forecast )is unusual and I fully support efforts to get some continuity and try ensure some trains run. Let us not forget, this arrangement is often the norm abroad due to 'insurance'.

 

I have had two multi-day tours with steam the other side of the Pond, and in both cases there was a diesel (in one case a triple-unit) coupled inside the steam loco and doing a good share of the work. Not so much for "insurance" as for the extra power.

 

I have sympathy with both those points of view. Really there is no right answer.

 

For what it's worth my view is this:

1) You cannot keep cancelling trains, especially if the dry spell is prolonged. It messes everyone around and is no way to run a business.
2) I totally agree with Shireman that the "show pony" steam solution is a waste of time and resources. If proper steam is not possible just make it a diesel hauled trip. I'd rather have a day out with a Class 37/47 than with a steam engine that isn't actually powering the train.

That's my opinion - others will no doubt disagree.

 

SD website now has 60009 down for the Swanage (really Corfe Castle) trip on July 29. As it is doing the RTC trip to Minehead the day before and presumably the DCE on Thursday as well, a busy few days being pushed around.