The Scottish Lowlander, 27th September.

Where does the correct class of loco for the return run over Shap come on please?

 

Carlisle?

 

Perhaps that is where the 'pathing and gauging' element comes in? WCR advised that the reason the train could not go in to Edinburgh was a lack of available platforms.

 

That is not a new issue.

 

Unless RTC has its own direct access to NR data, I doubt it could have predicted what has happened. I therefore stand by my earlier comment. It wouldn't surprise me if the request has been 'sat upon' for the last eight months, mainly for the reason cited, ie. Q paths being activated. But somewhere along the line, information dries up until the last minute, and I don't necessarily think its RTC's fault for the reason stated above. Admittedly, some more up-to-date information on the website would not go amiss, and would actually go a long way towards reducing some of the issues that arise when things do not go as planned, an example being the fate of the 'Valleys Explorer', which has gone a bit quiet of late.

I'm just happy the trip is running at all, and its an adequate cameo of the original within the constraints of the 2014 railway. Cobbinshaw awaits for another day...

 

Big Al has made a good point - there is no time available for watering the stock. Chances are the kitchen and buffet will run out of water, and the state of the toilets doesn't bare thinking about, especially with no layover to use stations toilets. I'm starting to regret booking on this. The one saving grace is, if we're on time, I'll be home by midnight.

 

That's a damn good question looking at the schedule - possibly Carlisle (but is 17 minutes enough time to change loco's?), its further confused by the sheer number of STP movements from Carlisle New Yard, Eden Goods Loop, Shap Summit and Carnforth!
I know that these are the provisional timings and I sincerely hope that the Duchess does come on before our southbound attack on Shap - but it's certainly very difficult to tell at the moment!

 

Well thanks for trying!

It may be that there will be Yeti loose on the nearby Scottish moors again soon, who could take time off from Owls to see a steam loco and say hello to some Nat Presers .

But it has to be the correct class for the location. Sharp pointy things belong far to the East.

 

I'm on this tour and and don't contribute very often, but I feel that something needs to be done to stop this total misleading situation that this tour exemplifies.
As has been said RTC are to be congratulated on trying to run imaginative tours, but this stretches imagination beyond belief. as also has been said this was just about possible in 1964, and clearly for the factors stated was not going to happen within a days constraints in 2014.
Now we have an ungodly 6.16 am off Crewe, with a massive 715 tonnes behind the tender. What the f*** does that consist of 14+ a diesel?
The original tour consisted of 450 tons which presumably was 12 coaches, and was quoted as a heavy load unaided over the Waverley route. I know its Shap and Beattock but this greedy load will guarantee diesel assistance. It should have been kept within the limits, so no diesel was required, as this is very much an 'enthusiast' day trying to recreate one of the all time great tours. And my personal opinion is we don't want a diesel on the back.
The other major item that makes this totally a step too far is the complete absence of a destination. It is now skirting Glasgow at its furthest north.
This wouldn't be too bad if there were adequate photographic stops, but the only real chance in 15 hours plus to stretch your legs will be Carlisle for 33 minutes.
I remember my first railtour 'The Thames, Avon and Severn' in 1963, when we went out and back non-stop through New St behind Silver Jubilee, but I just looked at the itinerary and we had three photo stops, plus other engine change/water stops in stations rather than goods loops. where we got out in an 11 hour day.
Some lessons need to learn't from this.

 

I am also on this tour and am somewhat concerned at the lack of information on the change of timings (particularly the 6.16am start in Crewe).

I am fortunate that (from past experience) I have learnt to check out what is going on with tour planning, so I at least know something is amiss with The Scottish Lowlander - but there are going to be a lot of people out there currently making plans to join the train at the published times and these could be wildly off from the actual (6.16 instead of 7.30 official start at Crewe for example).

I am assuming the timings and lack of comfort breaks could still be changed in the next few days but the loss of a steam powered entry into and exit from Edinburgh is hard to take.

Any idea when the official announcements on the changes will come?

 

I have just called RTC, who were very helpful. The 6:16 departure (and 21:33 return) are confirmed along with the change of route. Tickets are being posted out today including an explanation for the change of route. Load most likely to be 10 or 11 coaches. The use of diesel or not is down to WCRC.

 

Okay Ralph I'll wait and see.
But nevertheless it is annoying when fundamental things change, like a departure time over an hour earlier than advertised, and the destination being changed from Edinburgh to nowhere.

 

I have also had it confirmed as 6.16 start from Crewe (phew! that's a 3.00 am start for my party).
Also had it confirmed that there will be no stops other than 30mins at Carlisle on the way up and on the way back to change trains.
A marathon to no-where and back.
Wish they had informed everyone earlier (perhaps a ploy) too late to cancel now.

Is it possible that they might work to make the trip slightly more forgiving to the passengers before the 27th? (even a 30 min break somewhere around Glasgow would be better).

 

Interstingly...

there's a 5Z73 from Carnforth, terminates at Carlilse approx 1 hour before this trip arrives from Crewe.. this will be 60009 + POB for the loco change.
There is not a corresponding Carlilse to "anywhere" post this trip operated by WCRC on RTT as yet..

Could we see Double headed A4 and Duchess to Carnforth ?? -if that scenario were to happen, are many people going to complain ?

 

Clapping like a happy seal (if only that would come to pass - that would be a suitable finale to look forward to!).

 

RTC have confirmed with the ticket:

"Please note due to the extra rail services required in Edinburgh because of the Ryder Cup, Network Rail have been unable to time it through Edinburgh, it will therefore run a circular route throughout the Scottish Lowlands. There will be a stop at Carlisle in both directions to allow passengers to disembark and stretch their legs. We apologise for this late change."

 

There is no class 40's booked for this railtour...

I am climbing back into my box as I write..