The Great Britain XVI - 13/04/24 to 21/04/24

That is good to know. I've only ever done one GB but I'm thinking I might do next year's.

 

Good to hear some positive vibes,lets just hope it continues!

 

It's good to hear positive feedback from some of those who travelled - the one's who really matter. As RTC have acknowledged that the GB relies on a large team; many of them are unsung heroes (and heroines). I'd like to mention one particular group, those working at 10A on Friday night thro' to Saturday morning. Events that have been aired ad nauseum led to the following.

Friday
16.30 - 44871 & 454o7 come on shed (ex GB)
22.20 - 34067 comes on shed with GB ECS

Saturday
04.30 - 44871 & 45407 depart with GB ECS
10.19 - 34067 off shed to await turn on NBelle

Three locos to service, water, coal, etc and the GB stock to prepare for the following day. I hope that 10A had plenty of "midnight oil". Well done to all involved. (Thankfully the NBelle stock stayed overnight at Crewe).

 

Black Fives 44871 and 45407 looking and sounding superb in the Clyde Valley-an experience to stir the soul!

 

Gloucester movements and Sapperton Day 1,2 & 9

 

I was " standing out for free" as you so inarticulately put it because I have previously PAID for 6 other GB trips (4 non-dining and two dining), numerous Scottish Weekend jaunts, Autumn Highlanders etc, usually a least once a month a standard RTC steam tour, not to mention RTC trips to SA, Mozambique and Botwana. Also Argentina, New Zealand and Ecuador. Just be carful who you choose to accuse of freebie-ing.

 

Do take the trouble to think before posting. Firstly you don't know my enthusiast merits or otherwise because although I have heard of you (only slightly) it is clear you will be hopeful of another donation to your pet project in 2024, though having been dismissed as an unknown "freeloader" my numerous RTC UK railtours (and until 2019 overseas too) were nothing anywhere near cheap. I've supplied many tour photographs as a participnt in SA run-pasts and damp visits to Esquel etc.

I remember you getting stuck in a North Wales Bog too - next time I won't trouble to help you out.

 

Perfectly true. I also forgot to tell you about the £28,000 I paid to participate in six earlier GBs until 2015

Unlike others though I DO happen to know your real identity (I make no objection to anonymity and use it myself of course) but when throwing insults better to take a more precise aim. I know that's at least one less invitation you'll be getting this year.

 

I never said you hadn’t given input in to previous GBs or indeed any other tours. And indeed I fully respect the amounts you’ve spent.

But specifically when talking about this years GB you haven’t spent the cash, and you were specifically criticising this years GB. Your choice of wording to describe it was far too critical for somebody that’s not actually part of it, and as such does not gain the full exprience of the whole trip (Althougy you’ve probably a better idea than some having done previous trips). If you’d paid up to be a Pass this year then absolutely crack on and criticise, but after just 3 phots you were laying out a very strong opinion on 9 days worth of tour, that let’s be honest you hadn’t paid a penny towards the running of.

 

Interesting points of view, and at least you took the truble to reply so I owe my thanks for that at least

You mention my remarks only related to the first morning of the tour, This of couse I agree on and was one of the reason's I didn't comment further until after completion. I wanted to see what others had to say from both an on and off train perspectives. I think lukewarm sums it up, which does rather fit with my expectations. Clearly an odd highlight here or there, such as Kyle, but diesel noise is a reqular concern, If "putting up with that" as inevitable becomes the new normal then, as I've no wish to freeload, I shall become another mainline deserter. in the UK at least,

My opinion was based on my own experience of Day 1. I nver promote other opinions where I don't have a particular view to take, AT NO time did I attempt to make it range on the events where I wasn't there.

Diesels are now seemingly forever bolted to the back and I'm too old to adjust.

With the posible exception of a Scottish Landcruise in MK1s then I'll leave my wallet in my pocket except on preserved line where I WILL not be supporting anymore mainline loco restorations.

Just my £28,000 worth.

 

Personally I’m not so convinced diesel on the back will last forever, after all it is expensive to run. The extra crew and fuel is something which will surely lay heavy on TOCs over time.

And in some cases it’s not always so bad, the Saphos job this morning it wasn’t making a noise at Helwith, Braunton was doing it all.

Kyle was definitely something I feel I missed out on, but the SVR takes priority. Hopefully it will be done again soon, I almost hope with an LSL B1!

 

You are a reasonably recent arrival at Nat Pres I see? From countless, done to death, threads on this topic over the years, many on here seem to think that the TOC's just put the diesel on the back for it to have a nice day out, with literally no operational purpose it would appear.

 

Im fully aware of the operation purposes behind the diesel I can assure you of that. And I am fully behind the use of a diesel when it’s needed for Ops Purposes. Personally I really show no preference, I’ve been on both types of tour with a tail gunner and without and I think the difference is little

 

Are you this gentleman perchance?

Asking for a friend…
And if so can I claim my £5 on their behalf?

 

Like this one, Harry?

Peter

 

Pretty much!

 

Footage from days 7 and 8:

 

Nice sequence with some different locations