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Torbay Express 2019

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by 1020 Shireman, Feb 28, 2019.

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  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    ....apart from the bit about "giving the impression that the steam locomotive wasn't working at all".

    I presume that what they are spinning is the fact that the loco was actually in steam and therefore 'working'. The letter is excellent in explaining the circumstances but the final observation was probably best left unsaid.
     
    Big Al, Aug 7, 2019
    #121
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  2. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    Very true Al. I wonder how many drafts there were. Dated 5th Aug, 8 days after the train ran. Not going to book with TBEL again. Will risk POTD.
     
    1020 Shireman, Aug 7, 2019
    #122
  3. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    The summer months are a time when more steam charters run than at any other time. This is good for variety and being able to enjoy the tours in daylight hours. Unfortunately it's also the time of year when the chance of fire risk is at it's greatest. If a tour is booked in the summer months the likelihood of a diesel in the consist must be considered. <BJ>
     
    free2grice, Aug 7, 2019
    #123
  4. derby2

    derby2 New Member

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    Dead right. We in the MNLPS are not fans of running in the mid-summer months for the reasons you mentioned. We will make an exception where it's a special anniversary (End of Southern Steam in July for instance) or for a long trip where you want to maximise daylight hours (as in the trip to Exeter this coming Saturday). But otherwise we prefer the cooler months of Autumn, early Winter and Springtime. In addition as you rightly say the summer is when there's lots of other competing trains (too many I would say) plus loads of other non-railway attractions all looking to extract the 'leisure pound'.
     
    derby2, Aug 7, 2019
    #124
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  5. 5000 Launceston Castle

    5000 Launceston Castle Guest

    Can't believe how hurt people still are over something out of everyone's control.
     
    5000 Launceston Castle, Aug 7, 2019
    #125
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  6. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Tricky thing - the weather. Even trickier is how the authorities react to it though. Words like inconsistent and occasionally over reactive spring to mind.
     
    Big Al, Aug 7, 2019
    #126
  7. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    So they are saying it was Duchess that caused the fire?

    Is it the A4 again this Sunday?
     
    AnthonyTrains2017, Aug 7, 2019
    #127
  8. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    They certainly do Al.
     
    1020 Shireman, Aug 8, 2019
    #128
  9. No.7

    No.7 Well-Known Member

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    I was told "probably 60009" by TEx on Tuesday.
     
    No.7, Aug 9, 2019
    #129
  10. cg

    cg Well-Known Member

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    Bad news on Torbay Express Twitter feed - cancellation due to 60009 failure.

    Torbay Express

    @TorbayExpress
    ·
    12m

    Sadly the Torbay Express on Sunday (11-08) has been cancelled as No. 60009 failed its fitness to run test this morning
     
    cg, Aug 9, 2019
    #130
  11. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    No diesel available?
     
    AnthonyTrains2017, Aug 9, 2019
    #131
  12. cg

    cg Well-Known Member

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    That surprised me.
     
    cg, Aug 9, 2019
    #132
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  13. 4490 Empire of India

    4490 Empire of India Guest

    Not even gonna run it with a diesel?

    poor show there.
     
    4490 Empire of India, Aug 9, 2019
    #133
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  14. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    You cannot be serious. Run it with a diesel? It’s advertised as steam hauled.
     
    gricerdon, Aug 9, 2019
    #134
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  15. 4490 Empire of India

    4490 Empire of India Guest


    I'm deadly serious yes. Problem?
     
    4490 Empire of India, Aug 9, 2019
    #135
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  16. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    See my answer and previous posts. It’s advertised to run steam hauled
     
    gricerdon, Aug 9, 2019
    #136
  17. 4490 Empire of India

    4490 Empire of India Guest


    And???

    Most people on these tours aren't there for the steam,

    Enfusiasts are in the minority now.

    Most are there for a day out in Paignton/kingswear with some dining along the way.

    Of which that's gone to waste now.

    I'm sure there's some diesel cranks who would have jumped at the chance of a trip to Devon behind a diesel loco.

    But you are a real ray of sunshine, bet you are a right laugh at parties.....
     
    4490 Empire of India, Aug 9, 2019
    #137
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  18. NathanP

    NathanP Member

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    Everyone commenting on Social Media seems to be very understanding and accepting of the situation. I don't see anyone saying it should have run diesel-hauled. Were you booked on the trip yourself? I'm just trying to understand how it impacts on you.

    Your description of the typical passengers that travel on the Torbay Express is not representative of my own experience from all the trips on it that I've been on.
     
    NathanP, Aug 9, 2019
    #138
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  19. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I think everyone can see what a ridiculous post that one is. But let me unpack the nonsense for you.

    If most people are not there for the steam then all they have to do if they want a trip to, say Dawlish, on Sunday from Bristol is go on line now. The price of a return by service train - before discounts - is £40, or less if they choose carefully. The same route, the same scenery and a lot quicker.

    As for the meal, they'll get there quick enough to have the choice of Dawlish or wherever.
     
    Big Al, Aug 9, 2019
    #139
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  20. gricerdon

    gricerdon Well-Known Member

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    Totally irrelevant comment though it may be true now but perhaps not back in the day. My point is very firmly that tour operators should provide what they advertise. Steam hauled should be steam hauled and likewise diesel hauled should be diesel hauled.
     
    gricerdon, Aug 9, 2019
    #140
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