Tornado Covenantor Trip - clash with football fans

I dont know if the A1ST is aware, but on that day Newcastle United are due to take Sunderland on at St James Park. Kick off is 13.30pm.

Personnally i would think it would be extremely unpleasant if a train full of cranks and well wishers were to descend on Newcastle half an hour before kick off.

The station is a well known haunt on derby match day for soccer violence, with trains terminating from Sunderland on a regular basis, together with metro traffic downstairs.

Rival fans will clash, as sure as eggs are eggs. Nobody wishes anybody not involved with the football to get involved.

The 4 hour stopover in newcastle for travellers, is by the same criteria, not a good idea on such a day.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but you can already imagine the headlines.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

I think you are living in the past. The only problem is post match when Sunderland have been well beaten

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

After witnessing it the past 2 years, i would suggest otherwise.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Having also witnessed it 2 years ago. I can say that I felt rather uncomfortable waiting at Newcastle Central with both sets of fans on either platform and about 200 police on the footbridge.

Tornado along with 500 people arriving at that time might cause a bit more of a stir....

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

it was several years ago when i saw it thought it had cooled down.I see the problem now

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

I suppose an option could be to stop at Durham to drop the passengers off, and then run straight to the servicing point.

People would have a good afternoon in Durham, and it would be a much safer environment.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Good idea! I have emailed your Durham stop suggestion to the A1 Trust, but the train to continue to Newcastle too for those who like to live dangerously!

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Im going to shoot my own idea down here, but after the Blue Peter incident at Durham, im sure in thinking that a "diesel" is required to give any steam excursion a shove out of durham station southbound on the rising gradients.

Im sure that is why steam does not stop north or southbound at Durham any more.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Steam does/has stopped at Durham in the last few years? 60009 did didn't it? If not it must have gone rather slow because i remember it slipping plenty.....

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Hi Mark,

I cannot remember one in recent memory that has stopped, will have a look at UK steam, i know their are good reasons not to do it southbound as mentioned earlier.

Maybe somebody in the know can set the record straight.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

This is the one i meant guy, http://uksteam.info/tours/t07/t0519b.htm It was 07

Cheers,
Mark

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Yes, I was at Durham; she got away with one well-controlled slip and several more as she plodded over the viaduct on the climb to Relly Mill.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Well Done Mark, i suppose with a steady hand it must be do-able then!!!!

Certainly think this could be the best way out of a possible messy situation in Newcastle that day.

As covenantors we have decided against this trip, and are doing the Aulk Reekie Express instead.

I think it gives a more realistic "day out", the mileage may be similar but for a tenner more you get a few hours in Edinburgh, which is always a good destination.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Too right,there is as much/more mileage (someone work it out !) Edinburgh is actually a nice town whereas Newcastle just pretends to be!

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

i don't think football is the A1 biggest problem.

on the 31st jan & 1st Feb the ECML is closed.
Durham coast dervisons.

and Steam loco are not allowed under the metro wires. .
K1 tour last last year was not allowed.

only other way around is via the S&C then over the Tyne Valley.

i maybe wrong though.

but wait and see.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Nothing on National Rail Enquiries Advanced notification.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_d ... works.html

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

well hope Im wrong.
the Durham coast dervisons are meant to last till the 1st Feb.
surprised the times arint up for it yet though.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

Durham coast diversions are 3/4, 10/11 and 17/18, as well as 25th Jan, nothing for the following weekend.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

I thought the Durham incident was more down to loco handling than the location ? hence in the right hands it shoulden't be a problem.

 

Re: Tornado Covenantor Trip 1st Feb 2009

It is on a fairly steep grade off the platform and a slight curve,so with a light footed loco it is always bound to slip if the driver gives it that bit too much of the regulator....

Cheers,
Mark