'Cathedrals Express'. 28/06/18

A4 60009 .West Brompton to Worcester Shrub Hill. 28/06/2018
Outbound via Evesham. Return via Sapperton.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55019/2018/06/28/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55020/2018/06/28/advanced

<BJ>

 

lets hope this runs in the current heatwave

 

I spotted these on the weekend but the Steam Dreams website states Cheltenham arrival after Worcester and also Oxford return , willl these be road transportation?

 

Diesel assistance for Sapperton? It's as dry as a bone out there. <BJ>

 

Given this weeks forecast, I think without assistance it’ll be known as the golden valley for another reason! I’d be very surprised to see this not be a show pony day... (hate to be a pessimist!! I’m usually wildly optimistic)

 

I had a voucher to spend, so will be doing a bit more line-bashing on this one around Guildford, and as long as the steam locomotive is at the front and its driver has control of the brake, I don't care. I'm bailing out at Oxford in any case, and it is indeed bus transfer to Didcot or Cheltenham.

I agree that we could do with a bit of rain soon...

 

I'd take show pony steam instead of a 47 tucked in behind !

 

With this weather, any steam up front will be on light duties. Only sensible. Although I don't particularly like a diesel tucked behind, crap happens and I'll mortgage that against the decent trips I've already had this year.

 

With respect to fire risk I think we have done well to last this long before mitigation kicked in, its been hot and dry for a while now. With respect to this tour, I am assuming its going to be a show pony job at best, at worse who knows.

 

Should of postponed this IMO, as there was still ample time to alert customers. Better for morale than running diesel+steam with upset passengers.

 

...and I suppose if this is, then Sunday's tour will be a diesel pilot too.... certainly no sign of any rain on the horizon.....

 

No updates about Fire Risk on the new SD website but UK Steam info currently has this update for this trip:

28-Jun THE CATHEDRALS EXPRESS -
London -Worcester (WCRC) [wcrc]
60009: W Brompton-Redhill-Guildford-Oxford-Worcester and return
[Diesel pilot due to fire risk ?]

 

This was posted in the Steam ban thread:

From what I have heard it's a complete ban on steam on LNW (N) and LNW (S) routes until 2359hrs 2/7/2018.
Other routes DL assistance will be provided either with the DL coupled inside the steam loco or from the rear.
Sunday 2/7/2018 Paddington - Stratford on Avon will be diesel hauled throughout.
West Highland workings are assessed under a local risk assessment.


Hope that clarifies the situation,

Neil

 

As far as the long hot summer of 1976 is concerned I can say that, as far as the South West was concerned. it lasted until 28th. August!.

 

Any news on what is happening with this trip tomorrow? Rushmoor Council have put the Farnborough North times on Twitter for folks who want to see a steam train. Will it be steam on the front?

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I'm thinking its unlikely At best I guess diesel tucked in behind, show pony style, at worse diesel pilot, which is pretty stupid should leave the kettle behind if that is required.

 

I don't see the point of the show pony option either. I went on a SD trip to Lincoln with 60163 some years ago during another fire risk period. They just stuck a Class 67 on the front of Tornado and towed it to Lincoln and back. Tornado was only in light steam so that they could blow the whistle every so often.

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Steam Dreams have now posted pictures of 60009 being prepared for tomorrow's trip on Twitter.

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Looking about as good as it can be, given the circumstances. Also seems to be doing Didcot Parkway avoider, too, which isn't a particuarly regular stretch for charters with steam involved. I guess it used to be used on the old VT 'Moonraker' itinerary, but not on much else.

 

Summer of '76 details.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_United_Kingdom_heat_wave

I think it started a lot earlier this year, May was pretty hot & dry as well.
This month certainly has been.
No respite on the horizon either. Apart from a possible blip on Sunday with a thunderstorm.