CATHEDRALS EXPRESS LONDON - YEOVIL - WEYMOUTH 9 JULY

For anyone that wants to go on this run and didn't manage to get a ticket before it filled up six places have become available according to the SD site. Three in Premium Standard and three in First class.

 

Platform 19 can be used without the DL on the rear of the incoming train but as it requires "special arrangements" NR don't want to do it too often! The problem is no "calling-on" signal.
I'm told that the problem with finding paths down the main line on weekdays is having to cross from Platform 16 or 19 on the "Windsor" side to the main line side, hence it's easier to continue on the Windsor line to Staines. Probably SWT have had to alter one or more of their trains on Monday for this train. Something else which can't be done too often.
Also in Coach K!
Andover

 

Must remember to take a photo of Andover as we go through Andover on Monday!

 

Well done both NR and SWT for pulling out the stops to make this historic one a bit special for all of us. TOCs and especially NR get a hard time most of the time on here, and elsewhere so it seems only right to give credit when they go the extra mile to give us something they don't have to.

 

Managed to book one this evening! Yippeeee! To hell with the weather.

 

Yes, that is correct apart from the trespass was in the autumn of 1975. Many years ago (1983 or 1984), I saw the internal correspondence between the Divisional Manager andthe Chief Operations Manager of the Southern Region. Steam was still off the agenda for a few more years, apart from as a static exibit or well away from the "juice" around Salisbury.
It's taken for granted nowadays, but I still think we're very lucky to have steam working out of any London terminal.

Cheers, Neil

 

SWT have altered quite a few trains to make the steam tour "fit" within the WTT service. Since train planning has been split between TOC's and Network Rail, consequential alterations are much harder to arrange and agree between different operators. Thanks to all involved for stretching the rules of the train planning process. (Typed as one who occasionally stretched the process slightly too far in a former job - not charters ...)

Cheers, Neil

 

Very true. But let's hope that they don't go the extra mile at Weymouth on Monday!! <BJ>

 

Indeed ! It seems like only the heavy rain could have a negative effect on this tour now. Not certain how susceptible to flooding any of the route is but fingers crossed its none.

 

Having just checked the National Rail website there is currently flooding at Sway, and delays up to 60 mins to services west of Salisbury owing to a landslip at Honiton so hope these are cleared by Monday as there's still a lot of rain expected before then.

 

I was more worried about fire risk.

 

We probably all were a few weeks back but this is Britain of course. It'll be 5 years since the 40th anniversary special was pulled at the last minute due to the stock getting stranded at Westbury so I really hope fate doesn't strike again as that was the last 9 July special I was booked on.

 

Weather report from Sherborne at 10.50 Saturday 07/07/12......

Its raining very hard, local radio saying roads flooding but AFAIK Railways ok to Yeovil...

Hope it stops soon, trouble is water running off fields doesnt show till later so fingers crossed its ok.

 

Today is looking very wet all day throughout South / South West England but much drier tomorrow so hopefully ok

 

Booked late yesterday but no ticket e-mailed. Presumably because they had knocked off and no one around today of course.

 

Best try their mobile, 07775 735005 on the day, (or even today). Someone should be checking for late online bookings if their system allows them out of hours so close to the running day.

 

Line now closed at Yeovil. SWT terminating there with no onward connections as the road are closing and gridlocked

 

Looking at NRs Live Departures board for Yeovil J there are buses running to Yeovil PM for onward connections. Yeovil PM to Weymouth line looks ok at present. I guess if landslip at Honiton isn't cleared by Monday, any extra congestion at Yeovil J could have an effect on the CE I guess.

 

National Rail have just tweeted closure of Yeovil PM to Weymouth line due to "blockage" Oh dear.

 

So. Waterloo to Salisbury behind 35028 as planned.

The box that I presume was coming from Westbury to Yeovil Junction goes to Salisbury instead and works the train Salisbury-Eastleigh-Weymouth, (is Salisbury-Eastleigh still open? LOL!). 35028 and support coach follow, tender first.

Then Weymouth-Waterloo as planned.

Yes, yes, I know. Can't be done at such short notice on todays busy railway. We're not in the 1960s now you know!

Pathways, route clearances, drivers route knowledge, etc etc etc etc.

And we've STILL got a hosepipe ban in Kent.