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The Great Britain XII - April/May 2019

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by steamvideosnet, Aug 31, 2018.

  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Yes, the Black 5 ran from Bristol to Yeovil on its own with 11 but a diesel was nearby. However, it wasn't trusted to keep time on its own coming back from Swanage.
     
  2. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    A quick look at shots from 16/17/18 shows the train as 9 + support coach. 14/15 looks to have been 10 (2015 is based on a shot of the 66 on the train north of Shrewsbury ) + support.
    2013 looks like 11 + support, my shot of number 9 at Carmont has 12 vehicles in the train.
    2012 looks like it was 12 + support, 70013 on the ECML north of York hauling 13 vehicles.
    2011 10 + support, 2009 and 2010 also look like both being 10 + support, nb though in 2010 the sections double headed by 45231 and 45407 in Scotland had two support coaches.

    Ah well back to the day's real work :(
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2019
  3. The Black Hat

    The Black Hat Member

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    Looking like it will be the Black Hat vs the Great Britain XII for part of the run in the north and Scotland!

    Searching for where to stay and go - any advice on the Stranraer line for spots to aim for?
     
  4. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    South of the station at Girvan, the line climbs on a steep 1 in 54 curve virtually straight off the platform. So if the train takes water there (or if nothing else will have an operational stop) then you will get a restart probably at some time in the early afternoon. The railway goes over Coalpots Road where there is a footpath up to track level and fields. I'd have a Google look around this area. If the train takes water at Ayr, there is also a climb south up to Darymple Junc. But these are 'ontrain' comments not from a photographer having been there.
     
  5. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    I know that loco allocations in tour adverts must always be taken with a pinch of salt, and this is especially the case for Great Britain tours; I also know that Steam Railway (aka The Beano) often gets this sort of thing wrong, if only because there's several days between closing for press and actually appearing in shops. Therefore, I write this with some caution... The latest issue of the Beano arrive this morning. Tony Streeter, in his Down Main column, says that 60009's current mainline certification runs out on April 5th and, so far, there's no word on whether it's going to be extended. If it's not, then the high-light of GB12 (IMHO), the trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and back, behind 60009, won't happen. I'm sure they'll find a replacement loco (or locos) and any steam to Aberdeen is special, but it won't be quite the same as UoSA's last hurrah on her old racing-ground. The SRPS trip the following weekend will likewise be a little less special. Hopefully, it's just a case of Ian Riley being cautious and playing his cards close to his chest until the insurance inspectors have done their jobs, and all will turn out well...
     
  6. Waterbuck

    Waterbuck Member

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    I Love A4's but the Aberdeen trip is an optional add on.
    I agree no Locos can be guaranteed and as such I am not sure one day is a highlight to all who booked the whole tour. I do also see it as a special day for me if No. 9 runs.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2019
  7. Where's Mazeppa?

    Where's Mazeppa? Member

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    Very interesting, therefore , to have received an email from RTC this morning concerning the re-dated (20th April) Edinburgh Flyer that states
    "we now have some limited spaces available in all three classes on board. The train will be steam hauled by 60009 Union of South Africa in both directions."

    Maybe the mainline certification is going to be extended, because otherwise the incompatibility of these respective positions is stark. Time for a liberal dose of "Caveat Emptor", methinks.......
     
  8. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    There's been nothing posted on the 60009 Facebook Site and they are generally good with news of No.9. Hope that's not a bad omen....
     
  9. steam_mad

    steam_mad Member

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    60009 is currently going through a thorough examination at Bury with the aim of achieving an extension to the boiler 'ticket'. News of the outcome was expected by the end of February.
     
  10. Mick45305

    Mick45305 Member

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  11. Mick45305

    Mick45305 Member

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  12. steamvideosnet

    steamvideosnet Well-Known Member

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  13. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    No surprises that there's no LE path for day two. Bit of a risk with the cold start up Hemerdon ! Still the prospect of Dainton and Rattery with load 9/10 should make for a great first day !
     
  14. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    No Hereford set down for the passengers, which was billed in the programme.
     
  15. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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    Day two finishes at Minehead (18:00). Obviously RTT won’t show any more on the WSR in terms of travel... are we expecting a return in the late evening to Bishops Lydeard or are passengers finishing in Minehead and rejoining the tour at Taunton in the morning?

    Given the ECS for day three is starting at BL on Monday morning I’m assuming there’s a movement back along the WSR at some point late on Sunday.
     
  16. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    With recent weight restrictions on the WSR I wonder whether the tour might need to be double headed down to Minehead as the Hall will not be allowed. And the Duchess will definitely be off at BL or earlier.
     
  17. Waterbuck

    Waterbuck Member

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    The hotel was planned as Taunton but I have not seen the final detail yet.
     
  18. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    On Day 3 there could be an interesting restart if the train is looped at Panteg as its on the 1in95 to Pontypool Road. Well used loop but hope its not a wet day. Still the LE will be behind it if needed.
     
  19. Spotter

    Spotter New Member

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    Any route info for Edinburgh - Ayr - Stranraer - Ayr and Ayr - Carlisle - Scarborough days available yet?
     
  20. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I think we know it is:
    Edinburgh-Craigentinny-Slateford-Shotts-Shields Junc-Kilwinning-Stranraer-Ayr.
    Ayr-Annbank-Dumfries-Carlisle-S&C-Leeds-Church Fenton-York-Scarborough.
    Not certain there are alternates.
     

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