CATHEDRALS EXPRESS WED.17TH AUGUST

I see Steam Dreams site quotes 60163 Tornado for this trip.

Mike M. ( 70c )

 

The original plan was for Tornado to do all Steam Dreams trips in August, then following the problems with West Coast over Tornado that changed to the first 3 trips only. Looks like the plan has changed again! Wonder whether it is due to 70000 being unavailable or some other reason? There is also the "Bath Spa Express" running on that day although that seems to be booked for 4492 at the moment. However as 4492 is working the Dorset Coast Express on Tuesday I wonder whether that has changed and 70000 is working the Bath train.

Hard to keep up with all these last minute changes!

 

Am going to be in the Southampton area on this date. Could any of you nice southern chaps suggest which would be the best station locally for a half decent shot (am using public transport)? Will be able to catch 4492 as well

 

Cheers Big Al

 

Couple Of questions will the speed ristriction at Oborne Road Bridge Be in force also will the diesel be on the rear for the whole trip cheers.

 

All the recent steam-hauled up trains have observed a speed limit under the A30 road bridge. I don't know whether the diesel will be with the train all day, but I guess it's pretty likely.

 

No diesel on the back. There are separate diesel Light engine paths from Westbury to Weymouth, and Yeovil Jc back to Westbury.

David

 

Possibly only a rumour but my source of yesterday I think DID know what he was talking about. 60019 Bittern is not returning to Weymouth/Yeovil on Tuesday evening after banking the trip out but is staying on the back to Southampton then L/E to Eastleigh prior to doing the Poole - Bristol on Wednesday.

It could also account for why tomorrow's DCE timings are not yet on UK steam tours despite it being a regular run as the l/e pathing moves etc., will therefore be non-standard and may still be being finalised.

 

Don't know who has the accurate information here but a post has just appeared on the Bath Spa Express thread supporting my theory that 70000 is doing that one. Makes sense as I think it was left at Eastleigh after the last Bath trip.

 

There are times on uksteam for the DCE but not showing the LE working to Yeovil in the evening but the times for the return working to London show 60019 being detached at Wareham = may be a wait and see job but which ever way Wednesday promises to be a good day !! DH

 

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t11/t0817a.htm
Apparently ECS going via Acton Main Line and 60163 detaching at Southall with stock continuing back to Eastleigh. Intriguing!

 

60163 is now being based at Southall rather than Hither Green.

David

 

Just looked at the times for this run. That is a very long day just to go to Weymouth. I guess the late return is to enable passengers to see the Carnival.

 

60163 + POB to West Somerset railway from Acton yard Thursday 1110.

 

Apologies for the above turning out to be false. I expected my source of that info' to be reliable (A Yeovil Steam Centre volunteer steward) as at the YSC site during Sunday afternoon's servicing of Nunney Castle they (YSC) were telling people NO STEAM arrival expected back from Weymouth on Tuesday evening as 60019 is going on direct to Eastleigh. Obviously, for whatever reason, either some late changes were subsequently made or bum info' had been given out to the YSC stewards!

Glad to see Yeovil will be getting the loco servicing revenue after all.

 

Train left Victoria on time but there was a class 67 coupled in front of Tornado as well as the one on the back of the train. It didn't look like Tornado was doing any of the pulling as there was no obvious 'puff' coming from the chimney.

 

Saw this reported elsewhere but no explanation as to why there's a 67 on the front of Tornado.

 

Lack of boiler pressure?

 

My son reports from Egham that the diesel "was doing all the work" as the train passed him. Tornado coupled inside the skip.